This volume is concerned with the alignment between the way the mathematical performance of students is assessed and the reform agenda in school mathematics. The chapters in this book have been prepared to raise a set of issues that scholars are addressing during this period of transition from traditional schooling practices toward the reform…

This study compares logistic discriminant function analysis for differential item functioning (DIF) with a technique for the detection of DIF that is based on item response theory rather than the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. In this study, the areas between the two item characteristic curves, also called the item characteristic curve method is…

This book presents an approach to developing performance assessments. It begins with four steps for "Info In" and moves to four "Info Out" modes through which students can make their content understanding explicit for evaluation purposes. The first chapter is an overview of performance assessment in the classroom. Chapter 2 discusses the "Info In"…

A survey of 136 teachers serving learning disabled students indicated such results as that 82.1 percent knew about direct and frequent measurement; that 43.8 percent used the approach, expending 10 percent time; and that 46.4 percent did not use the technique due to perceived lack of time or skills. (Authors/MC)

A cross-sectional study of 132 Australian rural children from grades K-6 assessed children's understanding of the number system. Task-based interview data exhibited lack of understanding of the base ten system, with little progress made during Grades 5 and 6. Few Grade 6 children used holistic strategies or generalised the structure of the number…

Task-based language assessment (TBLA) grows from the observation that mastering the grammar and lexicon of a language is not sufficient for using a language to achieve ends in social situations. In TBLA, language use is observed in settings that are more realistic and complex than in discrete skills assessment and that typically require the…

This study explored the usefulness of a classroom assessment technique called the activity summary template. It is proposed that the activity summary template enables students to process and organize information learning during an investigation. This process will in turn help students to achieve greater learning outcomes. The activity summary…

Within a conceptual and research framework about the usefulness of portfolios, this book suggests methods to organize the process, and provides tools that will be used not only during preparation programs but also for professional and academic advancement. Key features include: (1) Provides a conceptual framework for portfolio development: Readers…

A progress map describes the nature of development in an area of learning and thus serves as a frame of reference for monitoring individual growth. An essential feature of a progress map, which is an integral component of Developmental Assessment, is that it describes and illustrates developing competence. The first step in constructing a progress…

The chapters in this collection explore the concept of benchmarking as it is being used and developed in higher education (HE). Case studies and reviews show how universities in the United Kingdom are using benchmarking to aid in self-regulation and self-improvement. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction to Benchmarking" (Norman Jackson…

This study explored how a field-based project involving preservice teachers' development and implementation of science performance assessment tasks in K-8 classrooms affected the preservice teachers' understanding of standards-based assessment and instruction. Participants were 25 preservice teachers in a science methods course. The teachers…

The Work Sampling System is a performance assessment that provides an alternative to group-administered, norm-referenced achievement tests for preschool through fifth grade. This volume presents a compilation of the Work Sampling System Developmental Guidelines for preschool through third grade. The guidelines are grouped into these categories:…

This Digest addresses developing scoring rubrics, administering performance assessments, and scoring, interpreting, and using results. In developing scoring rubrics, the criteria within the scoring rubric should be clearly aligned with the requirements of the task and the state goals and objectives. They should also be expressed in terms of…

The Operations Evaluation Department (OED) assesses the programs and activities of the World Bank for two purposes: (1) to ensure the integrity of the World Bank's self-evaluation process and to verify that their work effort is producing the expected results; and (2) to help develop improved directions, policies, and procedures through the…

Rubrics, scoring guides, and performance criteria help define important outcomes for students. Well crafted rubrics help teachers define learning targets so that they can plan instruction more effectively, be more consistent in scoring student work, and be more systematic in reporting student progress. Rubrics can generally be divided into…