Report Released on Deeper Learning Performance Assessment Tools

Getting Smart, with support from the Deeper Learning Student Assessment Initiative (DLSAI), comprised of the Asia Society, ConnectEd, Envision Education, and New Tech Network, released “Assessing Deeper Learning: A Survey of Performance Assessment and Mastery Tracking Tools.” This report reviews, evaluates and identifies tools and technology that make Deeper Learning student assessment systems efficient and effective for networks, districts, schools and teachers.

Cover Image_BlackBarriers identified in obtaining better performance assessments tools include:

  • The wide range of performance assessment and open-ended nature of the responses make it challenging to build generalizable capabilities;
  • Several tools were developed for specific school networks and are not available outside the network;
  • Some tools developed for specific use cases use terminology and assume practices that may be a barrier to adoption in other cases;
  • Attempts to add flexibility add many (often unintuitive) steps to construct a standards-based performance task; and
  • There are no recognized standards or best practices in measuring non-cognitive variables (also called social emotional learning or habits of success).

To assist in building a common landscape on how to best support schools and networks in their efforts towards Deeper Learning assessments, 12 key features were identified:

  • Interoperability;
  • Calibration of scores;
  • A library of tasks;
  • Support for multiple revisions;
  • Support for collaboration;
  • Customization;
  • Standards-based project rubrics;
  • Available professional development;
  • Student portfolio development;
  • User experience/usability;
  • Reporting tools; and
  • Affordable price tag.

Until recently, it was deemed unattractive to invest in performance assessments, resulting in a gap between program expectations and availability of tools to serve this emerging niche. This paper outlines the needs of this type of platform as the shift to Deeper Learning and the application of educational technology continues to progress.
Download the paper.
Full media advisory is copied below.


Who: Getting Smart, with support from the Deeper Learning Student Assessment Initiative (DLSAI), comprised of the Asia Society, ConnectEd, Envision Education, and New Tech Network
What: Today, Getting Smart, with support from the Deeper Learning Student Assessment Initiative (DLSAI) released the “Assessing Deeper Learning: A Survey of Performance Assessment and Mastery Tracking Tools” report. This report reviews, evaluates, and identifies tools and technology that make Deeper Learning student assessment systems efficient and effective for networks, districts, schools, and teachers.
Where: For more information, download the paper.
When: Wednesday, April 17, 2014

Why: This report was developed in order to investigate the state of the field and report on best practices, tools, and resources to support performance assessment.

About Getting Smart
Getting Smart® is an education advocacy firm passionate about innovations in learning. We help education organizations construct cohesive and forward-thinking strategies for branding, awareness, advancement and communication, and public and media relations. We are advocates for better K-12 education as well as early, post-secondary and informal learning opportunities for all students. We attempt to accelerate and improve the shift to digital learning. On GettingSmart.com we cover important events, trends, products, books and reports. Follow Getting Smart on Facebook and Twitter.
About Envision Education
Envision Education transforms the lives of students – especially those who will be first in their families to attend college – by preparing them for success in college and in life.  We operate three high-performing high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area (Envision Schools) and we provide training, coaching and professional development to districts and schools through Envision Learning Partners (ELP).  Follow Envision Education on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
About the Deeper Learning Student Assessment Initiative (DLSAI)
The Deeper Learning Student Assessment Initiative (DLSAI) is a collaborative partnership of organizations with a common mission to support and improve student assessment practice. Identified as leaders in Deeper Learning and student assessment, Envision Learning Partners (ELP) provides leadership support for the DLSAI, which includes Asia Society, ConnectEd, Envision Education and New Tech Network.  DLSAI members, in partnership with the Stanford Center for Assessment and Learning (SCALE), are committed to expanding the reach of Deeper Learning and student assessment in their own networks and beyond, through the creation and sharing of tools and resources that aid in the effective implementation of performance tasks.  DLSAI members share a common interest in finding the tools and technology that make Deeper Learning student assessment systems efficient and effective for networks, districts, schools and teachers.

Getting Smart Staff

The Getting Smart Staff believes in learning out loud and always being an advocate for things that we are excited about. As a result, we write a lot. Do you have a story we should cover? Email [email protected]

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