Assessment and Evaluation Flashcards

A teacher wants to measure student growth over time rather than compare students to each other. Which assessment approach best serves this goal?

Answer: Ipsative assessment

Ipsative assessment compares a student's current performance to their own previous performance, directly measuring individual growth.

Which statistical measure indicates how much individual scores deviate from the mean in a test distribution?

Answer: Standard deviation

Standard deviation quantifies the spread or variability of scores around the mean in a distribution.

A rubric that uses broad categories like 'Beginning,' 'Developing,' and 'Proficient' is best described as:

Answer: Holistic rubric

A holistic rubric assigns a single overall score based on general performance levels rather than evaluating separate criteria.

Portfolio assessment is primarily valued because it:

Answer: Captures a student's progress and growth over time

Portfolios collect work samples over time, allowing assessment of growth, process, and achievement across a learning period.

In testing, the term 'ceiling effect' refers to when:

Answer: Most students score near the maximum, limiting score discrimination

A ceiling effect occurs when a test is too easy, causing most examinees to cluster at or near the top score, reducing the ability to differentiate performance.

Which evaluation model focuses on determining if a program's goals and objectives are being met?

Answer: Tyler's Goal Attainment Model

Tyler's Goal Attainment Model evaluates programs by comparing actual outcomes to pre-specified goals and objectives.

Diagnostic assessment is MOST useful for:

Answer: Identifying specific student strengths and gaps before instruction

Diagnostic assessments are administered before instruction to identify what students already know and where learning gaps exist.