Discussion Summary: Alternative Assessment/Appropriate Tool/Value of Terms
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Discussion Summary
The discussion opens with a question about using the TABE for young people ages 13 or 14. This leads the conversation to focus on what is appropriate or not in terms of both tests and their intended uses. As is not uncommon on the List, several posts discuss frustration with the disconnect between assessment needs at the program level, and those needed by the funder, and the lack of tools to address both issues.
The discussion turns to what people feel are more appropriate ways for placement, measuring progress, and reporting program impact. Most people gave examples of “alternative” types of tools and approaches including portfolios, outcome checklists, etc.
The term “standardized” is mis-used at this point in the discussion and the conversation focuses on this and other terminology for the remainder of the discussion. It is noted that the term “alternative” is so widely used and vague that perhaps it is not useful as an assessment term for us. The term “authentic” is discussed, as well as a number of others including: constructed response, selected response, direct and indirect measures, obtrusive and unobtrusive assessment.
