Review

In the article, “Turning Tests into Tasks,” the authors take a look at assessing students through performance task rather than standardized test. Next Generation Science Standards lead to pe... See More

In the article, “Turning Tests into Tasks,” the authors take a look at assessing students through performance task rather than standardized test. Next Generation Science Standards lead to performance task from students while teaching the unit, however teachers still give assessments based on paper and pencil. The article breaks down the process of creating task to assess students into five individual steps. Each step gives detailed instructions on how to create a performance task for students at the end of the unit. The article also gives examples throughout to help guide teachers. This article provides ways to start with what you have and create assessments that meet the needs of students while also matching the way students are taught. The study begins with using content all teachers have, test questions, and builds from there. The article also discusses ways to scaffold information for students, providing differentiation for all levels rather than focusing on just one. This article was helpful as it includes a step by step plan on how to create a task for students. The article provides support in starting with what teachers already have, standard test, rather than asking teachers to start over from scratch. This article also provides clear examples that could be used to help guide teachers in the same content but at different grade levels. One way that I can use the article is by starting at the beginning of the unit with the end in mind. By following the steps provided, I will be able to make sure my students are prepared while also not becoming overwhelmed. I believe this article is relevant for science classrooms as the implementation of science and engineering standards becomes more and more imperative.