GCPS Evaluation Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When converting raw scores to letter grades, a teacher uses a predetermined percentage scale (e.g., 90-100=A). This grading approach is best classified as:
- Norm-referenced grading
- Criterion-referenced grading (Correct answer)
- Standards-based grading with proficiency levels
- Growth-model grading
Correct answer: Criterion-referenced grading
Using fixed percentage thresholds tied to performance criteria is a form of criterion-referenced grading, not comparison to peers.
Question 2: A classroom observation reveals that a teacher only asks recall-level questions during discussion. According to evaluation best practices, what should the teacher modify?
- Reduce the number of questions asked per lesson
- Incorporate higher-order questioning to assess deeper thinking (Correct answer)
- Replace all questioning with written assessments
- Shift to only student-generated questions
Correct answer: Incorporate higher-order questioning to assess deeper thinking
Effective evaluation of student understanding requires questions at multiple cognitive levels, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Question 3: A teacher scores student essays independently, then compares scores with a co-teacher and finds major discrepancies. The teachers should:
- Average their scores without further discussion
- Calibrate scoring by reviewing anchor papers and clarifying rubric criteria together (Correct answer)
- Have the department chair assign final scores
- Use a multiple-choice test instead to avoid subjectivity
Correct answer: Calibrate scoring by reviewing anchor papers and clarifying rubric criteria together
Calibration using anchor papers and joint rubric review improves inter-rater reliability and ensures consistent scoring standards.
Question 4: A student consistently performs well on homework and class activities but scores poorly on tests. What should the teacher investigate first?
- Whether the student is cheating on homework
- Whether test anxiety, format unfamiliarity, or testing conditions are affecting performance (Correct answer)
- Whether the student's test scores should simply be dropped
- Whether homework should count more heavily in the final grade
Correct answer: Whether test anxiety, format unfamiliarity, or testing conditions are affecting performance
A pattern of strong informal performance but weak formal test results warrants investigating factors like test anxiety or assessment format mismatch.
Question 5: Under GCPS assessment policy, which practice is most aligned with ethical test administration standards?
- Providing answer hints to struggling students during testing
- Reading all test questions aloud to students not eligible for that accommodation
- Maintaining a secure testing environment and following standardized procedures (Correct answer)
- Adjusting time limits based on personal judgment of student ability
Correct answer: Maintaining a secure testing environment and following standardized procedures
Ethical test administration requires maintaining standardized procedures and security to ensure valid and comparable results for all students.
Question 6: A teacher wants to measure whether students can transfer learning to novel situations. Which assessment type is MOST effective for this purpose?
- Matching vocabulary to definitions
- Recall-based fill-in-the-blank quiz
- Performance task requiring application in a new context (Correct answer)
- True/false review of previously covered facts
Correct answer: Performance task requiring application in a new context
Performance tasks that present unfamiliar scenarios best reveal whether students can transfer and apply learning beyond memorized content.
Question 7: A teacher notices that a group of students consistently underperforms on assessments compared to their classroom participation. According to GCPS TKES guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?
- Lower the grading standard to match participation performance
- Consult with the school's instructional coach and analyze multiple data points to identify root causes (Correct answer)
- Remove formal assessments for that group and rely on observation
- Refer all students immediately to the student support team
Correct answer: Consult with the school's instructional coach and analyze multiple data points to identify root causes
TKES emphasizes using multiple data sources and collaborative inquiry to understand performance gaps before making instructional or referral decisions.
GCPS Evaluation Strategies 5
When converting raw scores to letter grades, a teacher uses a predetermined percentage scale (e.g., 90-100=A).
This grading approach is best classified as: