Developing Performance-Based Assessments, Grades 6-12

"Contains valuable and timely information on how to develop appropriate, authentic, and worthwhile assessments." —Deborah S. Yost, Professor of Education La Salle University Improve student achievement on daily assignments, unit assessments, and standardized tests! Customizing instructional approaches to a specific educational context and learners′ needs is a common challenge for educators. Geared for Grades 6–12, this resource defines performance-based assessments (PBAs) and illustrates how using PBAs can help teachers target specific academic goals for students and foster positive, productive, and practical learning experiences. Using easy-to-understand terms, the book leads educators through an assessment process that is fully integrated with the daily curriculum and that can result in significantly improved student performance. The author provides a template for recording assessment data, demonstrates how to create rubrics for teacher/student use, and offers standards-based examples featuring classroom teachers′ insights. Readers will discover how to implement: Preassessments to collect baseline data Formative assessments that yield progress-monitoring data Summative assessments for gathering data that is easy to use Complete with checklists, frequently asked questions, graphic organizers, activities, and additional resources, Developing Performance-Based Assessments, Grades 6–12 is an ideal tool for engaging students in the learning process.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Examining the Many Purposes of Assessment Demystify Performance-Based Assessments Understand the Six Components of Assessment Picture the Continuous Flow of Assessment Know the Reasons for Selecting Your Assessments... Extend With Questions and Activities 2. Planning Assessments to Promote Understanding Use Formal and Informal Assessments Become a Data-Driven Teacher Understand Assessment Principles and Practices Watch for Common Errors in Assessing Visualize the Overall Process... Extend With Questions and Activities 3. Collecting Baseline Data for Preassessments Set Three Goals to Guide Your Preassessments Question Each of the Six Components of Assessment Keep Anecdotal Records Follow These Guidelines as You Preassess Realize That Assessment Is a Continuous Process... Extend With Questions and Activities 4. Aligning Appropriate Formative Assessments Consider the Six Components of Assessment Design Your Curriculum Align Assessments With Curriculum and Instruction Explore Cognition Via Patterns of Thought Plan With Competence and Confidence... Extend With Questions and Activities 5. Incorporating Learning, Assigning Instruction Followed by Feedback and Correction Assign Your Instruction and Activities Employ Multiple Instructional Strategies Consider These Assessment Recommendations Include All Kinds of Questions With Your Formative Assessments Optimize the Feedback Involve Your Learners in the Process Have Fun With Formative Assessments... Extend With Questions and Activities 6. Administering Summative Assessments Connect to the Goals and Components of Assessment Create Your Summative Assessments Prepare Learners for Summative Assessments Set Your Sights on the Five As Continue the Assessment Cycle... Extend With Questions and Activities 7. Identifying What to Assess: Inviting the Five Types of Inquiry and Information Introduce the Five Types of Inquiry Balance Three Conditions With Five Types of Inquiry Delve Into Responses Enhance Variety in Your Inquiries Include All Types of Thinking, Acting, and Feeling... Extend With Questions and Activities 8. Analyzing How to Assess: Applying the Five Forms of Appraisal and Authentication Analyze the Five Forms of Appraisal and Authentication Implement Assessments Purposefully Develop Appraisals to Showcase Learning... Extend With Questions and Activities 9. Creating Assessment Templates and Rubrics Construct the Assessment Template Build Rubrics Let Your Templates and Rubrics Do the Work for You... Extend With Questions and Activities 10. Conducting Evaluation and Accountability Evaluate Accomplishments Account for Progress Concentrate on Your Effectiveness Develop a Performance-Based Assessment Mind-Set... Extend With Questions and Activities References and Readings Index