Friday April 3, 1998
Teachers.Net Focus Session
Rubrics: Form and Function
with
Linda J. Wilson Ph.D.

Valerie S/oh - Welcome to our live session on Rubrics: Form and Function.
Our guest this evening is Linda J. Wilson Ph.D. of Journeys: Educational Consulting Services. Participants will explore rubrics: What they are, how to build them and how to use them effectively.
Cindi - Hi Valerie! I just did a project and made a rubric to assess it. I've never had the need to use one before, so I am very interested in this session. I had to re-do the rubric several times before I was comfortable with it. By the way, did you have a nice birthday?
Valerie S/oh - Cindi lives in the New Philly area!
Linda - Hi Cindi
Valerie S/oh - Yes, Cindi...Got a question on rubrics?
Cindi - OK, here goes. I developed a parent involvement activity to be used with my first graders. They had to find a total of 100 words from newspaper headlines or magazine article titles... I made up the booklet and sent it home. I posted the "rules" on the front page. Ten words per page. Ten pages. Words they know on sight... For the rubric I assessed them on those things. In other words, did they follow the directions or not. Each item was given a value of 1-4. Then the total points determined the grade. Am I on the right track Linda? I wanted to make sure that even if they did a lousy job they were awarded at least 1 point for putting forth the effort.
Linda - the rubric helps the teacher turn the subjective evaluation objective
JulieC/8/IL - I need to design a rubric for evaluation of my 8th graders toothpick bridges! Are you going to go through anything specific or do we just "jump" in with questions??
Valerie S/oh - Julie...I'm going to try to let Linda answer one question at a time and do some
explaining along the way.
Linda - I am going to try to answer questions and also give help in developing rubrics
Linda - I gave all of you somewhat of a definition--to continue I will also add that to use a rubric you need to step back and decide what concepts you want the students to know when they walk out of the classroom
Valerie S/oh - Hi Kathy...Cindi was asking about a rubric for a project her first graders are doing and Julie is going to ask about a rubric for toothpick bridges.
Cindi - This is turning out to be a pretty popular place tonight.
Valerie S/oh - Go ahead Julie...
Nancy - Do you have a book of sample rubrics we could buy?
JulieC/8/IL - Okay....the object of the toothpick bridge project is to make a scale blueprint on graph paper; then build the bridge...I have a set of guidelines/parameters that they have to meet...i.e. span, materials list, etc. I have never used a rubric in math before and don't really know the 1st thing about designing one!
Valerie S/oh - Mom...can you recommend any books?
Linda - There are books on the market--you have to be careful about the quality
Cindi - Linda, which book would you suggest?
Linda - Julie--decide what the best work would look like and what the least quality of work you will accept
Valerie S/oh - Should Julie have samples to show?
Linda - Those two become your outside parameters then you work the middle
JulieC/8/IL - What would you suggest as to the grading......a 1 through 6;
1 through 5, etc.?
Linda - s, Julie needs to show the examples of the different levels of quality
Kathy/5/IA - I'm working on designing a rubric that I could use to evaluate the "jobs" my students do in their Literature Circles, but would also fit other essay type writing.
JulieC/8/IL - I do have samples to show....
Cindi - Is it ever alright to use 0 as your low number?
Linda - invite the students into the process of developing criteria
Nancy - I always have problems with grading if I limit the choices from 1-6; I have better success if I make my choices 1-10. Am I just relying on the old % scale too much?
Linda - make the rubric public--give it to the kids so they know what to strive for
JulieC/8/IL - Thanks for asking about "0" Cindi....I like to give at least a minimum number of points, but what do you think, Linda?
Linda - Limit your numbers 1-4 or use a likert scale
Kathy/5/IA - What is a likert scale?
Valerie S/oh - Mom...Kathy is asking about rubrics for literature circles and essay writing.
Linda - I always give the students at least one point for trying
Cindi - What's a likert scale? I've never heard of that before.
Linda - a likert scale is a sliding scale 1--3--5
Nancy - I too would like information on rubrics for writing and literature circles.
jean - Linda, can you give a working definiton of a rubric?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - So you are saying 1-4.....worst, best, acceptable?
Linda - I did earlier and will give a definition again it is a scoring guide used to evaluate quality of work
Stingray - I have set up rubrics for grading book reports, etc My teacher partner and I give the
students the criteria for what is expected then set points for everything that is expected.
Linda - yes suzy
Valerie S/oh - Mom...you may need to give that definition a few times to newcomers. I will try to help give it out also.
Linda - there are many rubrics for writing and I will talk about it
Linda - this format is a little too fast for really quality answers
~SEA~ - does anyone give different rubrics to kids with different abilities (gifted) etc.?
Linda - Stingray--yes that is what you should be doing
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Slow down.....We'll wait.
Linda - You do not have to give different rubrics for different abilities
Stingray - Sea good question. Probably a separate rubric is needed for gifted students.
Valerie S/oh - Mom...just give a really basic rundown for writing if possible.
Linda - Students are graded according to the work they produce for their ability level
Kathy/5/IA - I have designed a rubric that I feel would work with several kinds of essay questions. I've put in on a scale as 1=lowest, 6=best. If the assignment has 5 questions I thought I could assess each question individually and then figure the "average". I've use a scale like 6 = 100%, 5.8 = 98%, etc... am I on the right track???
Supernaut - This sounds realistic & logical
Linda - for writing you would have some general categories; i.e. spelling, sentence structure, grammar, etc. and then specilaized ones for narrative, expository, persuasive, etc
Cindi - If I have a max of 4 points on each of 4 different things, should I use my e-z-grader and do some conversions to percentages to show what would be an A, B, C, D. Or do I just say 15-16 is an A, 13-14 is a B, etc.?
Linda - either type of grading will work, that is the beauty
Stingray - When we use our rubrics we try to keep in mind the kid's abilities but haven't really set up separate rubrics for gifted, included kids, etc. We just use our best judgement which sort of defeats the purpose of using rubrics, I think.
~SEA~ - cindi, on our report cards we no longer use A,B, C...we use a rubric of 1,2,3 o4!
JulieC/8/IL - How many areas is too many to evaluate....should your rubric point total have a
maximum?
Kathleen - I think we have onlookers, how about dealing with one question at a time..easier for Linda and for readers..Val, what do you think?
~SEA~ - i know what you mean, sting
Cindi - That's really interesting Sea! How do you like that? How do the kids and the parents like it?
Linda - Keep the number of areas small 3-5
Kathy/5/IA - With the scale I've use a 1 would equal 50% . Is that ok?
~SEA~ - i believe if you're rating a "product" you gifted kids may have a different product , thus need a diff. rubric
~SEA~ - it was difficult at first, cindi
JulieC/8/IL - Should I stay away from a category covering "neatness" per se? (I'm talking about how they apply the glue to the toothpicks, etc.....overall "look" of the bridge. It sounds a little too subjective to me, but I DO grade on that!
Kathleen - Linda, to preserve your sanity, how about choosing one person to respond to, and use that person's name at the beginning of every message until her/his question is answered..then move on to another question
Linda - no the gifted kids don't need anything different
~SEA~ - how do you guys like being called "YOU GIFTED"? opps!
~SEA~ - ok, linda!
Linda - the quality of the work they are expected to produce covers the differences
Stingray - Sea I agree with that. I tend to hold the gifted students to a higherstandard. Definitely should just write a separate rubrics for them.
Linda - Julie--is neatness a quality that you want to rate? If so, then assign it points
Supernaut - Kathleen: Good idea! One thing at a time Val.
~SEA~ - i'm comfortable with a writing rubric for narratives in primary grades...we rate 1 to 4 but can also do increments like "2.5"
~SEA~ - we've integrated spelling into the descriptions but not "neatness"
Valerie S/oh - Mom...what else can you say about building rubrics...how do you recommend
involving the students?
Linda - again,, going back to what I originally said--rubrics are to look closely at the individual student and the quality of work expected. I used the same rubric for all students and did not have students question grades received--we had all students of all abilities
Stingray - This is probably off the subject but how do you feel about giving a passing grade if the report or project is turned in on time?
Linda - sea--I did that too
Linda - Stingray--I give extra points to students at the end of a grading period if all was turned in on time--it gave everyone an opportunity for extra credit
~SEA~ - linda, i'm not sure the protocol for our session here...
Stingray - Thank you Linda
Valerie S/oh - I think all current questions are answered Sea. Do you have one?
Linda - Creating rubrics--1. look at models; 2. list criteria; 3. articulate gradations of quality
Pip - I have just begun hearing a lot about rubrics. Is it just for Language Arts or can it be adapted to other subjects? What exactly is it?
~SEA~ - we recently revised our writing rubric and put higher level grammar/literature skill on the 4 section (Ex: figures of speech, quotation marks, etc.)
Linda - 4 practice on the models; 5.
Valerie S/oh - Pip...just a sec and Linda will answer Sea then you will be next.
Valerie S/oh - Go ahead Sea!
Linda - Pip--rubrics are for all subject areas
~SEA~ - pip's question was good! how to use in math for instance...
Linda - sea--good idea to raise the quality of work
Linda - sea--math present the task ; it could involve subtasks
Cindi - Me too Julie.
Supernaut - Hi JulieC, you're with us
~SEA~ - linda, say 2 digit subtraction with regrouping...how a rubric?
Linda - criteria for math might be--accuracy, quality of work, quality of constructed task, etc
JulieC/8/IL - Let me know when it is my turn....I have a question!
Valerie S/oh - Mom...when you are ready Julie has a question.
~SEA~ - seems like math rubrics fit HS better than primary math?
~SEA~ - go for it, julie
Linda - for math--could also be the parts of the assigned task, I would use story problems rather than number problems
~SEA~ - understand, thank you
JulieC/8/IL - What do you suggest as to when to use rubrics....should you do "regular" grading; then a rubric so that students are equally comfortable with what......or.....just use rubrics for constructions, etc.
Linda - no it fits all levels go ahead Julie
Pip - I have a question.
JulieC/8/IL - I mean to say euqally comfortable with BOTH....
Linda - rubrics work for larger tasks/projects
Linda - pip?
Pip - Who sets the criteria? The teacher or can certain rubrics for certain
subjects be purchased?
Valerie S/oh - Go ahead Pip.
Linda - Pip--I would set the criteria I wanted and I would ask the students for criteria they would like to see
Linda - it invites students into the process they have some ownership
Pip - Is rubrics another way of saying a checklist? I set up certain criteria the students had to meet for a science fair project. I let them know what it was and then I graded it by using very good, good, etc and also numbers. Is this considered a rubrics?
Linda - I am going to cut and paste a reference list one at a time--hopefully it will work
Valerie S/oh - Ok... we'll wait a minute.
Linda - Rubrics are more about quality
Linda - Educators in Connecticut’s Pomperaug Regional School District 15. ( 1996).
Performance-based learning and assessment. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Linda - Goodrich, H. (December, 1996-January, 1997). Understanding Rubrics. Educational
Leadership, p. 14-17.
Linda - Herman, J. L., Aschbacher, P. R., & Winters, L. (1992). A practical guide to alternative assessment. USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Linda - Perrone, V. (1991). Expanding student assessment. USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Linda - Popham, W. J. (October, 1997). What’s wrong—and what’s right—with rubrics.
Linda - Tuttle, H. G. (January/February, 1996). Rubrics: Keys to improving multimedia presentation. Multimedia Schools, p. 30-33.
Linda - The popham article and the Goodrich article are excellent AND short
KellyM - can this be used at the early childhood level as well?
Valerie S/oh - Thanks mom...that will give some great information!
Linda - I teach rubics and assessment across the grade levels AND across the content areas in workshops!!
Ann/LA - Will rubrics in association with Internet projects be addressed?
Kathy/5/IA - What area of the country do you usually speak in, Linda?
Valerie S/oh - Do you have a specific question Ann? Go ahead.
Pip - Is it difficult and time consuming to set-up a rubric? I imagine it would be.
Linda - I would say to start small--with one project /assignment
JulieC/8/IL - So....rubrics are really up to the teacher and what is being evaluated....sort of "anything goes"....? (I mean, the teacher has to tailor it to what he/she wants....?
Ann/LA - I am a member of the Challenge Grant in Louisian and as such have to prepare group projects for my students on the Internet. Should I evaluate just their work or incorporate some type of computer evaluation with it?
Linda - Julie--yes it is teacher tailored
Linda - -it is difficult at the beginning
Linda - I would incorpoate the tech aspect too
Ann/LA - There are some excellent examples of rubrics at the California Score site.
Kathy/5/IA - Could I email you the copy of my rubric I set up for essay questions and literature circle jobs, Linda. I'd like to see if I'm on the right track.
JulieC/8/IL - Ann...do you have a URL??? ;-)
Linda - The article on multimedia would be helpful
Cindi - Ann, do you have the address for the California Score?
Linda - The Pomperaug performanced based learning book is very helpful from k-12
Linda - please feel free to send me the rubric
JulieC/8/IL - EVen though rubrics should be tailored by the teacher, I think we all want a "quick fix"! HaHa.
Valerie S/oh - Do you mind giving out your e-mail address mom?
Kathy/5/IA - What is your email address?
Kathleen - Woulld you rather private message the e-mail address?
Valerie S/oh - Mom...you can private message it to Kathy in the bottom corner.
Linda - Once you learn to be comfortable with rubrics they can be quickly used
Ann/LA - Did you get my question???
Kathleen - I can do the private messages for you Linda if you would like..I have your address
Linda - no I don't mind--l_wilson@sparcc.ohio.gov
Linda - okay Kathleen
Kathy/5/IA - Thanks, Linda!
Valerie S/oh - Ann...I'm sorry, I think we missed it. Could you repost?
Ann/LA - I am a member of the Challenge Grant in Louisiana and as such have to prepare group projects on the Internet. Does my rubric need to include just group evaluation or does it need to have computer knowledge evaluated?
Linda - One of the flaws in building rubrics is making them too general
Valerie S/oh - Ann...I think mom answered that one by saying "yes" to incorporate the technical aspect as well.
Kathy/5/IA - What do you mean by too general?
Linda - Ann, you could do a group one and a separate tech one
Ann/LA - Valerie - what kinds of things should I evaluate?
Linda - Ann, you could incorporate them both into one.
JulieC/8/IL - That's why it is important for the teacher to tailor it to what he/she wants evaluated?
Valerie S/oh - Ann...mom will have to answer that one!
Linda - put the content specific rubric on one side and the multimedia on the other
Cindi - So Linda, from what you've picked up from what we've said this evening, do you think we seem to be on the right track with rubrics?
Ann/LA - Valerie - I am sorry - I get confused - do you mind telling me who your mom is? :0
Linda - Julie--You are using the rubric to evaluate students
Linda - what they learned
Valerie S/oh - Sorry Ann.... Our guest this evening is Linda J. Wilson Ph.D. of Journeys: Educational Consulting Services. Linda is my mom!
Linda - Julie--I am going to try this again
Linda - design the rubric to evaluate
JulieC/8/IL - Yes, Linda....I understand. Thanks. I know we are all busy people and I have a
tendency to want a "quick fix"....like a site where I can just "get" a rubric. I see now the importance of tailoring it to my needs/and the students' needs!
Linda - student understanding of their learnings
Ann/LA - Linda - is it possible to give me an example of a question I would use for the computer evaluation portion of the rubric?
Linda - Ann--the Rubrics . . the Keys article has one in it
Linda - Ann--it actually evaluates a multimedia presentation
Linda - Julie--I don't have any specific sites--the Performanced based book would help you
JulieC/8/IL - I believe my school library has that book, Linda....I need to check it out! Thanks....
Linda - Ann-a level on the rubric might be--
JulieC/8/IL - Linda.... do you have any advice on how to motivate fellow teachers to use rubrics? Our administration wants EVERY teacher to do at least one rubric/project
per quarter next year! I have been elected "chief motivator" for my middle school! ;-(
Linda - some visuals, and sounds, some multimedia programming skills
Jane - Missouri is training teachers in developing and using performance based assessment. We are being expected to develop scoring guides for preformance task
Supernaut - Good one, Linda!
Linda - Julie--I would work on one together as a group
Linda - Julie--Bring one of your own
JulieC/8/IL - Linda...do you mean one project for the entire middle school....like a multidisciplinary project....for all three grades? Or do you mean work on a project/rubric design as a group, as in a workshop setting??
Linda - Julie--as a group in a wkshp setting
Jane - Can you recommend any premade performance tasks that uses a rubric/ scoring guide
Linda - Julie--have them bring a lesson and start with assessing the learning outcomes
Supernaut - I would like that, Julie!
Cindi - Julie-I agree with Linda. That way the staff has ownership and is more likely to use it.
Linda - Jane--there are many for writing check out the NCTE journals
JulieC/8/IL - Yes...I understand...My team already incorporates rubrics with many of the writing assessments, book reports, etc. I need to develop MATH projects.....I already use them for soc. studies projects. Math rubrics are giving me fits! ;-)
Jane - When I check on the net, I have difficulty finding listings.
Joyce/Tx/2nd - Do many people have their report card set up as a rubric? I can't stand the our report cards...what does a 85 average really tell you...not a whole lot.
Linda - Julie--Look at the NCTM journals for math
Supernaut - Don't have a fit here, Julie!
JulieC/8/IL - Yes....I have already written NCTM down to investigate....Thanks....
Linda - Also check out the websites for the different content areas
Jane - i have found a few rubric but I want specific task that asssess reading or language. I have scoring guides for writing
Linda - Jane--you have asked me something I am not sure about--check out IRA journals and website
Tony Bott/CA - Well, the Internet is a forerunning activity setting for the professional growth of teachers. Historically, there has not been this form of interactive setting for open dialogue and learning...
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Jane....Does your state not have learner outcome objectives that would help you?
Tony Bott/CA - hence, you're making history by being here tonight. Also, you are one of our first hosts in the Conference Room on Techers.Net - much gratitude and respect to
you ;)
Cindi - I think it's a great setting Tony. Now if only I could get an hour or two or credit towards my master's for this...
Valerie S/oh - Now you know what to write on your resume Mom!
Linda - Tony--I guess then this is historical
Tony Bott/CA - Cindi - I will be working on that for y'all. Seriously!
Tony Bott/CA - Precisely, Linda!
JulieC/8/IL - I think this is terrific....I needed someone to tell me I'm on the right track! Thanks to everyone! (It isn't over yet, is it??? smile....)
Cindi - That's great Tony!
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Wonderful Tony!
Jane - We have standards that students will be assessed on, but we are encouraged to use
performance tasks, where the students are ask to do specific activiites and are scored by a scoring guide or rubric. We have to design the rubric for the assessment
Valerie S/oh - Mom...got any suggestions for Jane?
Tony Bott/CA - Linda, do you find rubrics, for say mathematics, to be consistent across
socio-economics (e.g. inner-city schools v. upper/middle-class schools)? How do teacher expectations play into the equation?
Supernaut - Sounds like Olympic Figure Skating 'judging format' to me.
JulieC/8/IL - LOL, Supernaut....I was thinking the SAME thing....
Linda - Jane--Think about the outcomes you want the kids to know
Linda - Then those become the criteria for the rubric
Linda - Then decide what is the best you will accept
Linda - what is the least you will accept?
Jane - I know what I want them to know, my problem is designing the task to objectively assess the student's knowledge or performance on the task.
Linda -  the two middle (average) that you will accept
Linda - Sorry--what is the least you will accept
Tony Bott/CA - Interesting... we just reviewed a CD software package with elementary teacher lesson plans where the lesson objectives and grading criteria were both present for each lesson, but didn't match at all... thoughts?
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Jane, perhaps you could work backward, so to speak. From the state expectations.
Valerie S/oh - Jane...what do you want them to know?
Linda - Hummm-no match?
Linda - State expectations are good
Jane - Do you sugest a holistic rubric or anaylitc the other type of rubric
Linda - Not a good CD
Linda - I like the analytic
Linda - I like the analytic I can give more grades
Tony Bott/CA - ... thought not, that's why we don't sell it here ;)
Cindi - Linda--I've learned a lot this evening and I think I'll be more comfortable with the next rubric I design for my students. I really appreciate all of your help and knowledge!
Jane - The analytic is more like a check list right
Supernaut - A very bad CD, indeed.
Linda - Analytic is criterion by criterion
Linda - Tony--you might want to look at what the ENC.org site has
Tony Bott/CA - certainly will. Thank you Linda
JulieC/8/IL - I need some input about grading with a rubric in stages......like when students are building their bridges....assessing WHILE they are building....
Linda - Ohio has had teachers evaluate software using a criterion based rubrics
Jane - In MAP (MIsssouri Assessment Program) we are being encourage to develop both type but especially holistic.
Linda - Julie--you can use the stages as benchmarks to the final product
Linda - Jane--both are good
Linda - I like to give the kids more chances
JulieC/8/IL - Well, DUH! I feel like a ninny....
Linda - Julie--no you are not
Jane - I like them better than a percentage grade. or a test. It's more authentic
Supernaut - Another good one, Linda.
Linda - Jane--anlaytic--could be
Linda - In holistic you aggregate the scores
Linda - Jane--I loved rubrics
Jane - Well, if you are assessing how well a student is able to do something It's more valid that what he can guess on a M/c test.
Kathy/5/IA - Linda, I just tried to email you a sample rubric I've designed, but the email was returned to me. Is the L at the beginning of you address capital or lower case,or does it matter?
Linda - Jane--definitely
Linda - Lower case
Kathy/5/IA - Thanks, I'll try again!
Linda - Paper and pencil tests more lower level thinking
Linda - Projects tend to use higher level thinking skills
Valerie S/oh - Looks like our time is up - I will officially thank everyone for taking part in this session and welcome Linda to stay and answer questions as long as she wishes.
JulieC/8/IL - I have to go now....Thank you so much for your time, Linda...and to all the information you have given me. I will look for the reference list posting. I jotted down several articles I want to read. Thanks again. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Jane - Our new reading basal includes rubric for the assessment of the student's writing.
Linda - We need to encourage both
Linda - Many of the textbooks are incorporating rubrics
Linda - re not too general
SuzyQ/OK/3 - Thank you Dr. W. and Bob.....Tony.....Whoever is responsible!
Linda - whoops--be careful they are not too general
Jane - Missouri's new state assessment will include a performance task that counts as 1/3 the over all score
Kathleen - Valerie, thank you for doing such a good job hosting, it was a challenge tonight..lots of questions, lots of info!
Cindi - I'm taking a class right now and we've been talking a lot about higher level thinking skills. Our professor has encouraged the preschool teachers in the class to use higher
level things with their students. I don't think that we generally think of doing that with 3 and 4 year olds. It may turn out to be a good thing!
Linda -Jane- interesting--wish ours did
Valerie S/oh - Thanks for helping Kat...I think I just needed to get the hang of it!
Jane - Thank you for the information
Linda - All kids can do HOTS
Valerie S/oh - Cindi...Is your master's program at OU?
Cindi - No, Valerie. I'm going to Ashland U. in Massillon.
Jane - How much are they teaching this at the teacher training level ?
Linda - I will be teaching a course there this summer
Cindi - What will you be teaching Linda?
Linda - They are not teaching it as much as they should
Kathy/5/IA - oops I missed something, what is HOTS?
Linda - Advanced integrated LA
Linda - l_wilson@sparcc.ohio.gov
Jane - AIMS science materials have task and rubric I think
Cindi - I saw that in the course listings. Sorry I won't be taking it. I'm taking Research Summer I and then nothing else until fall.
Linda - I have not seen the sci or SS
Linda - I am also teaching an assessment wkshp for kent stark campus
Jane - I have to do a mini lesson for our staff inservice Tue. I have my performance event but I'm still looking for other rubrics
Linda - Check out the articles I listed
Linda - the Understanding rubrics article won an award
Linda - whoops--the understanding rubrics article
Valerie S/oh - Jane...I will try to repost the list of resources on the chatboard.
Linda - Val or Kathleen should be able to send them
Kathleen - Linda, would you be willing to post some of the basic definitions and references that you have available to cut and paste onto our chatboard? After your fingers get a rest, that is? :-)
Linda - Yes I can do that
Jane - Thank you for all of your help
Kathleen - Linda, a line is forming at my computer, so I will say goodnight and THANK YOU VERY MUCH for giving your time for our Teachers.Net community! And, Valerie, Thank you!!!
Valerie S/oh - Have a good night Jane!
Linda - I think the references are floating in this
Valerie S/oh - Thanks for arranging this Kat!
Kathleen - Goodnight to all who participated/watched!!
Linda - You are welcome it was fun Kathleen - :-)
Jane - night
Valerie S/oh - Good night Kat!
Cindi - Thanks Linda and Valerie!
Valerie S/oh - I will "see" you soon Cindi!
Cindi - You too Val!
Bob Reap - Linda, thank you so much for your time and wisdom tonight!!! :o)
Linda - you're welcome
Kathy/5/IA - Thank you, Linda!!!
Linda - you're welcome

References for on-line assessment professional development:

Burke, K., Fogarty, R., & Belgrad, S.  (1994).  The mindful school: The portfolio connection.  Palatine, NY: IRI/Skylight Publishing.

Educators in Connecticut’s Pomperaug Regional School District 15.  ( 1996).
Performance-based learning and assessment.  Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Danielson, C.  (1996).  Enhancing professional practice: A framework for teaching.   USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Goodrich, H.  (December, 1996-January, 1997).  Understanding Rubrics.
Educational Leadership, p. 14-17.

Herman, J. L., Aschbacher, P. R., & Winters, L.  (1992).  A practical guide to alternative assessment.  USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.

Perrone, V.  (1991). Expanding student assessment.  USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Popham, W. J.  (October, 1997).   What’s wrong—and what’s right—with rubrics. Educational Leadership,  p. 72-75.

Taggart, G. L., Phifer, S. J., & Nixon, J. A.  (1998).  Rubrics: A handbook for construction and use.  Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing.

Tuttle, H. G.  (January/February, 1996).  Rubrics: Keys to improving multimedia presentation.  Multimedia Schools, p. 30-33.
 

Sound Tasks, Sound Assessments

Before developing an assessment tool the teacher needs to know:

1.  What does the teacher want the students to know at the end of the chapter/unit?  What are the learning objectives? Do they include HOTS?
2.  What type of task will be relevant?  How will the learning resulting from the task impact the students’ lives?
3.  Is/Are the tasks bias-free?  Is/Are they fair?  Do they take into account diversity, culture, and gender?
4.  Is this a task that is meaningful?  Challenging?
5.  Will the task engage the students?  Will it motivate the student to complete the task?
6.  Does the task relate to what was taught?  Does the task evaluate the learning objectives?  Is the teacher able to teach the skills necessary to complete the task?
7.  Can the task actually be carried out?  Is there space, time, resources available to accomplish the task?
 Adapted from A Practical Guide to Alternative Assessment (see resource list)


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