Performance-Based Assessment Clearinghouse
This NCSS Social Studies Performance-Based Assessment Clearinghouse was created to provide: 1) examples of social studies performance-based assessment measures conducted at local and state levels; 2) research findings that support the use of performance-based assessment to inform instruction, and 3) existing educational policies that can inform advocacy efforts for the inclusion of social studies performance-based assessment at the local, state and national level. The Council advises educators to carefully critique, evaluate, and select the best measure to meet the objectives of their educational program and the learning needs of their students. They provide The Criteria Worksheet for Selecting Assessment Measures for educators to consider when selecting assessment measures for their students.
Teachers will find the examples in the Performance-Based Assessment Clearinghouse very useful and thoroughly-described. The resources are framed in relation to their review criteria. The content in The Criteria Worksheet for Selecting Assessment Measures is well-chosen, emphasizing cross-disciplinary application, literacy in social studies, and use of performance-based rubrics. Evidence of effectiveness is still pending.