Domain B: Literature Review

Literature Review: Domain B

Kelly Burkhead

National University

March 21, 2018

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690−Capstone Course

Carol M. Shepherd, Ed.D.

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Domain B: Literature Review

Abstract

The article titled How Performance Assessments Affect Teaching and Learning - Educational

Leadership will be discussed in this piece. While performance assessments are not a new

approach to gauging student progress, the method of evaluation has evolved. A study was

completed which included 16 US schools and based its research on the development and

implementation of performance assessments. Various interviews were conducted of school

personnel and two conclusions were determined. Content effects as a result of assessments were

minimal while the influence on instruction and the roles of teachers were hugely observed.

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Domain B: Literature Review

Although performance assessments are shown to be an effective means of evaluating

student performance and progress, guidance and support must be provided for educators.

Evidence indicates that enhanced teaching and learning in fact result from the administration of

performance assessments.

Assessment formats were found to be consistent in their content and order of

presentation. Since content is mandated by the state and districts, little say is left for teachers.

Therefore, these guidelines remained similar. The variation was in the format of the

performance assessment itself. It also appeared that according to teachers, comprehensive

projects assigned in gauging student progress narrowed content coverage due to time

requirements.

Instructional strategies were found to be numerous and assorted. Portfolios which

required students to generate reports were found to also hone student writing skills. Expectations

of performance assessments were typically directly discussed as a way of setting what teachers

required. Some educators also included a peer aspect to evaluations in order to help students

learn the process of assessments. Data also showed that performance assessment has contributed

to altering the roles of teachers. “Education reformers see the teacher’s role as changing from

disseminator of information to facilitator of learning” (How Performance Assessments Affect

Teaching and Learning - Educational Leadership).

Impacts were noted on teaching as well as learning. There appeared to be increased

student motivation an engagement in project based tasks. Motivation may be enhanced by the

inclusion of increasingly stimulating content. It was also noted that writing portfolios and those

which require elements of literacy were shown to strengthen student writing skills and habits.

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Domain B: Literature Review

Effective use of performance assessments was impeded by several factors. One factor

was the unclear content standards. Another was undefined content and performance standards.

It makes sense that the study discovered that where performance assessments of the portfolio

type and other ongoing forms were used, successful incorporation took place. It also appeared

that collaboration with colleagues needed to be consistent and focused on developing

assessments. This allowed teachers to better develop assessments since they formed an

environment that was more supportive.

From this study, it is clear that ongoing performance assessments and other ongoing

evaluations increase student motivation by inspiring students to practice their writing skills and

work on project-based assignments. Also, project based assignments in themselves are

motivating to students. Successful implementation of any facet of teaching should include ample

support from colleagues. This study reflected on the need for support and improvement with

performance assessments. Student engagement and motivation is another large component, and

project based assignments allow for greater interest of students.

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 Domain B: Literature Review

References

How Performance Assessments Affect Teaching and Learning - Educational Leadership.

(2018). Ascd.org. Retrieved 21 March 2018, from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-
leadership/nov95/vol53/num03/-How-Performance-Assessments-Affect-Teaching-and-
Learning.aspx