In the initial exploration of learning theories, the prevailing notion suggested that intricate, higher-order thinking capabilities were cultivated incrementally. This perspective advocated for dissecting learning into a sequence of foundational skills. The premise was that upon memorizing these individual components, learners could subsequently synthesize them into a holistic understanding and insightful comprehension—akin to assembling puzzle pieces to reveal a coherent image.
However, contemporary understanding of learning processes has evolved. We now recognize that effective learning necessitates active engagement in problem-solving to construct mental frameworks. Knowledge acquisition transcends mere information reception; it crucially involves interpreting information and assimilating it into the learner’s pre-existing knowledge base. Consequently, the focal point of assessment should pivot towards evaluating a learner’s proficiency in organizing, structuring, and applying information within context to navigate complex challenges.
“Assessment should be deliberately designed to improve and educate student performance, not merely to audit as most school tests currently do.” -Grant Wiggins, EdD., president and director of programs, Relearning by Design, Ewing, New Jersey
Within the realm of education, “Assessment-guide-description” becomes paramount. It’s about understanding the nuances of different assessment methods and how they serve diverse educational goals. An effective assessment guide provides educators with a comprehensive understanding of various assessment types, their purposes, and how to implement them effectively to foster genuine learning and improvement.
Standardized Assessment: A Broad Overview
Standardized assessments have become a ubiquitous component of contemporary education systems. Across numerous school districts, state-mandated standardized tests are routinely administered. These tests are characterized by uniformity; every student within a specific grade level is required to undertake the identical test. Standardization extends to all facets of the examination, encompassing the questions themselves, the allotted time for completion (with potential accommodations for students with documented disabilities), and the designated period within the academic year for administration. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, notably known as the No Child Left Behind Act, has amplified the significance of these tests. Student performance in these standardized evaluations has evolved into a cornerstone for consequential decisions, ranging from grade promotion to determining compensation structures for educators and administrators.
Students engaged in a robotics competition, showcasing hands-on learning and problem-solving skills
It’s crucial to differentiate standardized assessments from the broader standards movement, which champions specific grade-level content and performance benchmarks across core subjects. Paradoxically, standardized tests frequently exhibit a misalignment with state and district content standards. This disparity engenders a notable disconnect between the curriculum taught in classrooms and the material evaluated through testing instruments.
In a move towards greater coherence, the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSS) emerged in 2009, aiming to establish a unified set of educational standards for adoption across all states in the United States. The CCSS, a continuously evolving framework, has garnered widespread commitment, with a significant majority of states pledging to embrace and implement these standards. While standards for English language arts and mathematics were formalized in 2010, the development of standards for science and social studies remains ongoing. Resources like Edutopia’s Common Core State Standards Resource page offer further insights into this initiative.
This context naturally leads to pertinent questions about evidence-based assessment. Are standardized tests inherently evidence-based? Do portfolios qualify? And if portfolios are considered an element of evidence-based assessment, what supplementary components are essential? Reflections? Samples of student work? Selections of best work?
“If assessment is to be a positive force in education, it must be implemented properly. It cannot be used to merely sort students or to criticize education. Its goals must be to improve education. Rather than ‘teach to the test,’ we must ‘test what we teach.'” -Lockwood and McLean
Alternative Assessment: A Deeper Dive
Alternative assessment, often interchangeably referred to as authentic assessment, comprehensive assessment, or performance assessment, typically originates from teacher design. Its primary function is to evaluate students’ comprehension of the subject matter in a more nuanced and holistic manner. This approach contrasts sharply with standardized tests by employing diverse methods such as open-ended questions, written compositions, oral presentations, projects, experiments, and portfolios showcasing student work over time. A defining characteristic of alternative assessments is their intentional alignment with the instructional content, ensuring that what is assessed directly mirrors what has been taught.
Effective assessments serve a dual purpose: they furnish students with valuable feedback on their understanding and areas for improvement, while simultaneously equipping teachers with insights to refine their instructional strategies. The relevance of assessment amplifies when students actively participate in the assessment process itself. By engaging students in defining scoring criteria, self-evaluation, and goal setting, educators foster a greater sense of ownership and acceptance among students regarding the assessment’s validity in measuring their learning.
Authentic assessment encompasses a broad spectrum of methods, including:
- Observation
- Essays
- Interviews
- Performance tasks
- Exhibitions and demonstrations
- Portfolios
- Journals
- Teacher-created tests
- Rubrics
- Self- and peer-evaluation
These diverse methods provide a richer and more comprehensive understanding of student learning compared to relying solely on standardized tests. For further exploration, resources such as the Comprehensive Assessment Core Strategy page and the Comprehensive Assessment Research page offer valuable insights. Edutopia.org’s in-depth package on authentic assessment, “Reinventing the Big Test: The Challenge of Authentic Assessment,” also provides extensive information on this topic.
Continuing your exploration of assessment methods, the next section of this guide delves into “How Do Rubrics Help?” offering a practical look at another key assessment tool.
