ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

Elaine SlattumApril 1, 2010

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Alternative assessment is any type of assessment in which students create a response to a question or task. Basically, it’s a way to measure student learning in forms other than traditional pencil-and-paper tests. Alternative assessments can include short-answer questions, essays, performance assessment, oral presentations, demonstrations, exhibitions, and portfolios.

WHY DO WE WANT TO USE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Students are able to display knowledge in many different ways

Gives ongoing information on strengths and weaknesses of each student which provides the teacher an opportunity to work with those weaknesses.

Students who are not skilled test takers will be able to succeed in showing their abilities and therefore build self esteem

The bottom line is that the purpose of assessment should be to improve

learning.

WHAT KIND OF ASSESSMENTS DO WE NEED IN MATHEMATICS?

We need mathematics assessment that: Matches the ideal curriculum described in such documents as the California

Mathematics Framework and the NCTM Standards in both what is taught and how it is experienced, with thoughtful questions that allow for thoughtful responses.

Communicates to students, teachers, and parents that most real problems cannot be solved quickly and that many have more than one answer.

Allows students to learn at their own pace. Focuses on what students do know and can do rather than what they don't know. Won't label half of students as failures because of unrealistic expectations that all

scores should be above the 50th percentile. Doesn't use time as a factor, since speed is almost never relevant in

mathematical effectiveness. Is integral to instruction and doesn't detract from students' opportunities to

continue to learn.

Source: http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/math/ma4desal.htm

EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS

GOOD RESOURCES FOR ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS

Learn NC: alternative assessment http://www.learnnc.org/reference/alternative%20assessment Los Angeles Learning Center Alternative Assessment

Guidebook http://www.cse.ucla.edu/products/guidebooks/gbthree.pdf Alternative Instruction and Alternative, Performance-Based

Assessment

http://mathforum.org/~sarah/Discussion.Sessions/biblio.assessment.html

Authentic Assessment Toolbox http://jonathan.mueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/index.htm