BEAM

Introduction
Page 1 of 2

Overview Module Components Module Objectives What's next?

Overview

Module Objectives

Within this module, participants should be able to:

Distinguish between assessment and

evaluation identifying their similarities

and differences

Understand alignment, validity, and

reliability within the process of

standards-based assessment

Understand the meaning of evidence

and criteria and the differences

between them

Know the different types of assessment

and the use of each type

Understand the important role of

feedback within a course of study

Identify various methods of assessment

and state the function of each

Identify various tools of assessment

according to form within various

assessment methods and state the

purpose of each

Apply the process of assessment

development within the

CAI Lesson Planning Tool

What's next?

To accomplish the objectives of this module,

you will be asked to reflect on your current

assessment practices. Select a past assessment

to consider as you proceed. It might be helpful

to have a printed copy of the selected

assessment, but this is not mandatory.

Time to reflect. A reference indicator to alert
your attention to the selected assessment is
Mr. Stringfellow in the reflection graphic displayed below. Each time you see this graphic, two questions will follow. Click the reflection graphic on this page for the printable version of the reflection questions. This allows you to keep a written record of your thoughts regarding your current assessment practices as you advance through the module.

Keys to Understanding. Occasionally you will be asked to click the Key to Understanding. The keys will unlock a myriad of treasures specific to standards-based assessment planning. A printable version of the Keys to Understanding is available in the Summary Component of this module.

As an example click below to review the reference to key issues and key elements mentioned in the Introduction.


Click the Key to Understanding

Considering assessment as a process provides

educators with a reliable answer to the recurring

question, "Are students ready for a grade?"

Developing assessment based on standards guides

the educator toward focusing on student learning,

not just assigning a grade.

Beginning with the end in mind, educators select

well-defined goals (standards) for students. Then

alignment to the selected standard becomes a

key issue throughout the assessment planning

process.

This standards-based assessment process offers

students multiple opportunities to perform or complete

a task by providing evidence of what they have learned.

Student performance is evaluated at different

intervals using a set of criteria that clearly delineate

expectations of achievement levels.

In this module, key elements essential to

understanding the standards-based assessment

process are identified and explained. Educators

are also afforded the opportunity to examine and

evaluate their current assessment practices.

Module Components

Each section of this module is designed to help participants understand standards-based assessment. The following sequence is recommended.

Overview
     A recurring question ... "Are students ready
     for a grade?"

Assessment Vs. Evaluation
     What are the similarities and differences?

The Process of Standards-based
     Assessment
     What is the correlation between assessment
     and process?

Steps to Standard-based Assessment
     Planning
     What are the specific steps that go beyond the
     scope of just administering tests, using answer
     keys, and assigning scores?

Assessment Development
    What are the assessment types, methods, and
    tools used to measure achievement of selected
    standards?

Summary
     How will you know students have learned?

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