Member-only story

Seven Assessments of Students and Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

Easton Powell

·17.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

4 min read

54 View Claps

8 Respond

Save

Listen

Standardized tests have been a mainstay of American education for decades, but their effectiveness has been increasingly questioned in recent years. Critics argue that standardized tests are biased, narrow, and stressful for students. They also point out that standardized tests do not measure many of the important skills that students need to succeed in college and careers, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Fortunately, there are a number of alternative assessments that are more effective than standardized tests at measuring student learning and school quality. These assessments are typically more authentic, engaging, and holistic than standardized tests. They also provide more useful feedback to students and teachers.

Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments of Students and Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

by Deborah Meier

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	662 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages

Here are seven assessments that are more effective than standardized tests:

1. Performance tasks

Performance tasks are assessments that require students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge by completing a real-world task. Examples of performance tasks include writing an essay, giving a presentation, or designing a product. Performance tasks are more authentic than standardized tests because they require students to apply their learning to real-world situations.

A Student Working On A Performance Task. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

2. Portfolios

Portfolios are collections of student work that demonstrate their progress over time. Portfolios can include a variety of materials, such as essays, projects, artwork, and reflections. Portfolios are more holistic than standardized tests because they provide a more complete picture of student learning.

A Student Working On A Portfolio. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

3. Exhibitions

Exhibitions are public presentations of student work. Exhibitions can be held in a variety of settings, such as schools, museums, and community centers. Exhibitions are more engaging than standardized tests because they allow students to share their work with a wider audience.

Students Presenting Their Work At An Exhibition. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

4. Student self-assessments

Student self-assessments are assessments that require students to reflect on their own learning. Student self-assessments can be conducted in a variety of ways, such as writing a journal entry or completing a survey. Student self-assessments are more formative than standardized tests because they help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

A Student Completing A Self Assessment. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

5. Peer assessments

Peer assessments are assessments that require students to evaluate the work of their peers. Peer assessments can be conducted in a variety of ways, such as giving feedback on a written paper or presentation. Peer assessments are more collaborative than standardized tests because they allow students to learn from each other.

Students Giving Feedback To Each Other. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

6. Teacher observations

Teacher observations are assessments that are conducted by teachers to observe student learning in the classroom. Teacher observations can be used to assess a variety of skills, such as student participation, behavior, and academic progress. Teacher observations are more frequent than standardized tests, which allows teachers to track student progress more closely.

A Teacher Observing A Student In The Classroom. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

7. Data-driven decision-making

Data-driven decision-making is a process of using data to make decisions about instruction and school improvement. Data-driven decision-making can be used to identify student needs, develop effective interventions, and track student progress. Data-driven decision-making is more evidence-based than standardized tests because it relies on data to inform decisions.

A Group Of Educators Using Data To Make Decisions About Instruction. Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments Of Students And Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

These are just a few of the many assessments that are more effective than standardized tests. By using these assessments, schools can get a more accurate picture of student learning and school quality. This information can then be used to improve instruction and student outcomes.

Beyond Testing: Seven Assessments of Students and Schools More Effective Than Standardized Tests

by Deborah Meier

4.3 out of 5