Week 8 Reading Guide 7

Authentic Assessment Chapter One

Moving Toward Authentic Assessment
After reading the course reading, please answer the following questions.
1. What is authentic assessment and how is it different from tests?
Authentic Assessment is the multiple forms of assessment that are consistent with
classroom goals, curricula, and instruction. These are different then tests because they
aren't adequate to asses a full range of higher-order thinking skills that are normally
considered important in today's curriculum.
(Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners pg. 2)

2. What are the two major issues that caused an increase interest in authentic assessment?
Explain each with an example.

One issue is that current assessment procedures do not asses the full range of essential
student outcomes and another is that teachers have difficulty using the information gained
for instructional planning. For example teachers question multiple choice tests because
they do not represent recent improvements in our understanding of what and how
students learn. Also, teachers question the overdependence on these types of assessments.

(Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners pg.2)

3. Name three types of authentic assessments and give a description of each.

1. Screening and Identification: to identify students eligible for special language and/or
content area support programs
2. Monitoring Student Progress: to review student language and content area learning in
classrooms
3. Program Evaluation: To determine the effects of federal, state, or local instructional
programs
(Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners pg.3)

4. How can authentic assessment benefit both all students, both ELLs and grade level
students?
Both ELL and grade level students can benefit from authentic assessment by completing
self assessments. Self assessments promote direct involvement in learning and the
integration of cognitive abilities with motivation and attitude toward learning.
(Authentic Assessment for English Language Learners pg. 5)

5. What are the two types of validity that are most concerned with authentic assessments?
Explain them.

One type of validity is a rubric. This aids in judgment making of a student's response.
Another example is a portfolio assessment which is a systematic collection of student
work that is analyzed o show progress over a period of time in regard to instructional
objectives. (Authentic Assessment of English Language Learners pg.5)