Day 28 – Your last new learning day! The last new topic of the 30-day process is authentic assessment and rubrics. Authentic assessment is basically any type of assessment that is not paper-and-pencil type of testing. It can include projects, portfolios, or running records. I first really used authentic assessment when I student taught in a preschool program for my undergraduate degree. It was used mostly because traditional assessment becomes much more difficult for that age bracket. But now, as I work mostly in elementary and middle school levels, I realize that many assessments in the classroom can also be authentic, though it is rarely used.
Most teachers would justify the idea of not using authentic assessment more because of time constraints. Another big decision for not using this type more is the argument that standardized testing is very traditional. I agree with both statements, especially the standardized testing argument. I do feel that students should be trained how to take traditional types of tests in order to be successful at them. With that being said, I also feel as though there is adequate time to occasionally include alternate assessments, and the benefits make up for the time allotted.
The trick to authentic assessment is not to take on too much at one time. One type of authentic assessment per chapter or unit is fine to begin. As long as the project sheet and rubric are kept in a safe place for retrieval, adding another the following year is simple. Eventually as more is added to your toolbox, portfolios will be available to be included as a culminating assessment. Continue reading »