Studies validity and usefulness of kindergarten through second-grade teacher judgments of students' literacy competency based on alternative assessment techniques. States that 136 kindergarten children were followed through second grade; each year their teachers and principals were interviewed about assessment data for literacy evaluation.…

Describes strategies for designing learning outcomes and performance assessments in religious instruction at Catholic schools. Discusses steps: developing a shared vision, establishing ground rules, defining outcomes and assessments, and designing outcomes and assessments for religion. Includes definitions of outcomes and performance assessments.…

Explains that concept maps can be utilized as a method of alternative assessment in psychology courses. Evaluates the usefulness of concept maps by examining student concept maps at the beginning and end of the semester. States that concept maps are useful in assessing student knowledge. (CMK)

Describes four criteria that can be used to evaluate methods of assessment: (1) "What are the consequences of using the test?" (2) "Is this assessment fair?" (3) "Do the skills and knowledge of this assessment transfer or generalize?" and (4) "Does this assessment cover cognitively complex task?" (KDP)

Describes the integrated package of mathematical assessment (Work projects, Progress activities, Self-regulating elements, and Observation) used with (n=4) secondary school teachers. Teachers focused on three levels of observation: local aims; general aims; and intentions, attitudes, and confidence as evidence of improved classroom environment.…

A tear-out folder provides information on alternative student assessment versus standardized testing, describing what alternative assessments do and do not consist of and involve. Information on student assessment statewide and nationwide is presented along with a discussion of the costs of alternative assessment. All information is presented in…

Examines the major characteristics of nontraditional or alternative assessment in language learning, the uses of alternative assessment procedures, and different types of alternative assessment. An annotated bibliography discusses eight important works in the field. (75 references) (MDM)

Addresses drama in the early childhood classroom as a useful tool for focusing on many of the current concerns in education including problem solving, integration of curriculum, writing across the curriculum, and authentic assessment. (RS)

Discusses what is meant by quality mathematics in school and how teachers can bring students to share this vision of a quality mathematics performance. (MKR)

Presents anecdotal data from informal discussions with 12 secondary teachers about types of evidence of students' mathematics achievements that were used by the teachers. Discusses oral evidence, written work, observed actions, voluntary use of mathematics, knowledge of the child, teachers' views of mathematics, and behavior and body language.…

Describes the complex and sometimes conflicting components involved in reading assessment issues and proposes a solution that involves linkages among assessment audiences and approaches. Concludes with remarks about how school districts might pull together all the pieces and solve the assessment puzzle for themselves. (PRA)

Terms such as "authentic,""performance-based," and "portfolio" are being used to label assessment approaches that purport to examine student performance as it relates to curricular goals and instructional techniques. This research digest reviews six articles on these assessment approaches, highlighting purposes,…

Reviews various approaches to assessment and instruction of Native students in Canada and the United States, particularly attempts to identify Native learning styles and to adapt curriculum to them. Describes two approaches particularly suitable for Native and other minority students because they teach social and academic cognitive and…

For all its attractiveness, alternative assessment is fraught with complications and difficulties, as Rhode Island's experience shows. Although alternative assessment can be systematic, there are no ways to rate large numbers of performance-based tasks, portfolios, interviews, exhibits, or essays. Some standardization is necessary, and assessment…

Describes a composition teacher's efforts to diagnose her vocational college students' literacy skills by using a more authentic performance assessment that integrates reading and writing. (SR)