How can you assess student achievement without standardized tests?

1 Portfolio assessment

Portfolio assessment is a method of collecting and evaluating samples of student work over time. It allows you to see the progress and development of students in various domains, such as academic, creative, social, and personal. Portfolio assessment can also help students reflect on their own learning, set goals, and showcase their strengths and achievements. To implement portfolio assessment, you need to decide what types of work to include, how to organize and store them, how to involve students and parents, and how to use the portfolio for feedback and grading.

2 Performance assessment

Performance assessment is a method of observing and judging how well students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world or simulated situation. It requires students to demonstrate their learning through a product, a presentation, or a performance. Performance assessment can help you measure higher-order thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills that are often not captured by standardized tests. To implement performance assessment, you need to design a clear and relevant task, provide criteria and rubrics, and use multiple sources of evidence.

3 Self-assessment and peer assessment

Self-assessment and peer assessment are methods of involving students in the evaluation of their own and others' learning. They can help students develop metacognitive skills, such as awareness, reflection, and regulation of their learning processes and outcomes. They can also help students improve their collaboration, feedback, and interpersonal skills. To implement self-assessment and peer assessment, you need to establish a trusting and supportive learning environment, provide guidelines and tools, and monitor and moderate the process.

4 Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a method of gathering information about student learning during the instructional process. It aims to provide feedback and guidance to both teachers and students, rather than to assign grades or scores. Formative assessment can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of students, adjust your teaching strategies, and support student learning. To implement formative assessment, you need to use a variety of techniques, such as observations, questions, quizzes, discussions, and exit tickets, and provide timely and specific feedback.

5 Project-based assessment

Project-based assessment is a method of engaging students in a complex and meaningful inquiry that results in a product or a solution. It allows students to explore a topic or a problem of their interest, apply their knowledge and skills across disciplines, and communicate their findings and arguments. Project-based assessment can help you foster student motivation, autonomy, and creativity, as well as 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, research, and collaboration. To implement project-based assessment, you need to plan a challenging and authentic project, scaffold the process, and assess the product and the process.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?