- Grade Levels K - 2
- Grade Levels 3 - 5
- Grade Levels 6 - 8
- Grade Levels 9 - 12
- Kinesthetic Learner
- Visual Learner
- Auditory Learner
- Technology Integration
Crafting a Successful Performance Task
The validity of a performance task is essential to creating meaningful assessments. Use the following criteria to evaluate each performance task prior to using it. (Download these criteria as a checklist.)
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The task should be:
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The task should incorporate:
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Step 1
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Identify the main concepts and thinking skills you want to be the targets of the assessment. The task title may not be created until later. In a few works, state the background of the concept or topic being addressed.
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Step 2
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Identify the type of product you want the students to make. You may decide to give students options or let them select the format for the product.
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Step 3
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State the purpose the product is intended to have. For example, is it meant to inform, persuade, and/or motivate?
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Step 4
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Write the procedures the students will use. First, you may want to set the scene by giving students some background. The directions can be very specific or very open depending on the amount of structure the students need. A sample form follows these steps.
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Step 5
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Give the students some guidelines about the assessment. Explain that they will use classroom assessment lists and that they will be given models of excellent work.
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Students may not have experience with projects like performance assessment tasks. The individual task management plan will provide structure to the student so that he or she approaches the task in an organized, thoughtful manner. Students are asked to state the purpose of the task in their own words. Then they list the steps to accomplish the plan. The teacher may insert checkpoints with due dates to help ensure that the plan is carried out according to schedule.
The last task is for the student to identify problems or barriers to the completion of the task and consider solutions. When the plan is well done and complete, the student and teacher sign it. For some projects, parents may be asked to review the plan and sign it also. Students may not be specific enough in their action plans at first. Give them feedback about the quality of their plans and show them examples of well-done management plans.
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Filled with cross-curricular activities and real-world connections, Digital Communication Tools helps students understand how digital tools such as PDAs, Tablet PCs, and laptops are revolutionizing the way we perform everyday tasks. In addition to providing information on relevant topics such as wireless networks, firewalls and packets, voice mail, and disaster recovery plans, Digital Communication Tools also includes activities to correlate lessons with language arts, social studies, science, and math.
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