Power of Performance Assessments

All students should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that matters and prepares them for the 21st century. Performance assessments promote deeper understanding and authentic learning for students. Performance assessments allow educators to rethink the intersections of teaching, learning, and assessment through meaningful and transferable student learning. Current standardized tests do not do a good job of assessing complex skills and multi-step intellectual tasks. As we create the next generation of assessments we must ask new questions:

• Is the design of the assessment engaging and meaningful to students?
• Does this assessment measure real world skills and knowledge?
• Does this assessment provide feedback that motivates students to continue learning?
• Does this assessment allow students to demonstrate mastery?

The Quality Performance Assessment Initiative (QPA) promotes deep, authentic learning that engages students and teachers. QPA supports educators in designing performance assessments that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards and prepare students for college and career. Learn how the QPA Approach can support your work.

QPA Approach

Join the QPA network and be part of a movement supporting practitioner-developed performance assessments. With teachers at the center of assessment, we can ensure that students learn what matters most.

Join us to receive emails with our free monthly tool and updates about the work around performance assessment.