Implementing Performance Assessment in the Classroom

Performance assessment is more than simply completing a set task. It requires students to apply their knowledge and skills within context. Listed below are the steps to help teachers implement performance assessment into their lessons.

As stated in standard A-2, the purpose of the assessment must be identified.

An activity that correlates with the instructional objectives must be determined. The activity needs to take into account time constraints, resources, and how much information is necessary to determine the quality of the student’s performance.

The performance criteria should be defined. This includes identifying the task that will be evaluated; listing the important parts of the performance or product; and expressing the criteria in terms of observable student behavior or product characteristics. Keep in mind to limit the number of performance criteria so that they can all be easily observed.

Determine how the product or performance will be evaluated. Often in performance assessment there are not clear-cut right and wrong answers but degrees to which an individual is successful or unsuccessful. Therefore, performance rubrics allow teachers to rate the proficiency level of a student’s ability to perform a task or display their knowledge. A rubric must have clearly defined criteria for each level of proficiency that correlate with the instructional goals desired.

Finally, student’s results need to be recorded. This can be done in a variety of ways including a checklist, anecdotal approach, or with a rating scale.

Criteria for selecting performance assessment tasks

• Does the task truly match the outcome(s) you're trying to measure?
• Does the task require the students to use critical thinking skills?

Teacher resources

All links open in new windows.

• Kathy Schrock Guide for Educators
• NCREL Effective Practices

• Is the task a worthwhile use of instructional time?
• Does the assessment use engaging tasks from the "real world?"
• Can the task be used to measure several outcomes at once?
• Are the tasks fair and free from bias?
• Will the task be credible?
• Is the task feasible?
• Is the task clearly defined?