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    Performance Standards
    • 07 Sep 2023
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    Contents

    Performance Standards

    • Updated on 07 Sep 2023
    • 2 Minutes to read
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    Article summary

    Definitions

    Performance standards lay out observable and measurable assessment strategies and criteria for performance assessment.

    • Summative Assessment Strategy:  The tool or method used to gather evidence as to whether or not a learner can demonstrate the outcome.
    • Criteria: Establish specifications by which performance will be evaluated. Criteria form the basis of the checklist or rubric used for evaluation.

    Checklist

    • Summative assessment strategy names the tool or method used to assess the outcome
    • Criteria form the basis for the checklist and/or rubric used to assess the outcome  performance
    • Criteria begin with the name of the product, when they measure a project, and the word “learner” or “you” when they measure a process
    • Criteria give measurable and observable specifications for the product or process that will be assessed
    • Criteria give the learner “up front” information about what is expected so the learner can take responsibility for producing acceptable work
    • Criteria do not use instructor judgment as a reference, although they may refer to a checklist developed by the instructor

    Performance standards provide tools for clarifying performance expectations. They help define the skill in the outcome and clarify the required levels of performance. Performance standards include both assessment strategies and criteria.

    • Summative Assessment Strategies name the method, situation, or tool (portfolio, clinical demonstration, capstone project, etc.) used for assessment of the outcome. 
    • Criteria provide the basis for answering the question, “Did the learner achieve the outcome?” They describe important characteristics or expectations for evaluating the learner’s performance of an outcome. In the WIDS application, criteria form the basis of a rubric or checklist used to evaluate the outcome. 

    Why Write Performance Standards?

    Learners perform best in assessment activities where instructors make expectations explicit and provide detailed instructions. Performance standards help define expectations so learners never have to guess what the teacher wants!

    How to Write Summative Assessment Strategies and Criteria

    1. Read the program outcome.
    2. Identify options for demonstration of a satisfactory performance of the program outcome. Write these as the Summative Assessment Strategies. 
    3. Brainstorm requirements for, or attributes of, successful performance of the assessment strategy.
    4. Consider things that should be present or absent (such as correct grammar or units of measurement).
    5. Consider the process to be used.
    6. Focus on what is essential.
    7. Make sure the criteria are measurable and assessable.

    Examples of Summative Assessment Strategies

    • Portfolio/Artifacts                          
    • Capstone Project
    • Internship Evaluation
    • Clinical Evaluation
    • On-the-job Performance
    • Standardized Tests (national, state)
    • Oral Presentation
    • Product Development

    Program Outcome Criteria

    Program outcome criteria describe the specifications for performance and lay the groundwork for a rubric or checklist. Use the same guidelines for writing program outcome criteria that you use for writing competency criteria. Be sure to determine whether the assessment reviews product, process, or both.

    Program outcome criteria:

    • provide specifications for the performance described by the related program  outcome
    • describe measurable and observable specifications
    • can be assessed feasibly within the context of the program
    • do not use instructor judgment as a reference, but may reference published checklists developed by the instructor, published by outside authorities  
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