An examination of alternative assessments available to secondary mathematics teachers, such as journal writing, personal interviews, and portfolios. The pros and cons of each alternative assessment and directions on how to implement them are also included.

It describes each strategy and clarifies its advantages and drawbacks. Also included is a large sample of classroom-tested examples along with sample student responses. These examples can be used "as is" - or you can customize them for your own class. This book will help prepare your students for standardized tests that include items requiring evidence of conceptual understanding. The strategies reflect the assessment Standards benchmarks established by the NCTM. In addition, an entire chapter is devoted to help teachers use these assessments to arrive at their students' grades.

This book provides an overview of current research on a variety of topics related to both large-scale and classroom assessment. First, the purposes, traditions and principles of assessment are considered, with particular attention to those common to all levels of assessment and those more connected with either classroom or large-scale assessment. Assessment design based on sound assessment principles is discussed, differentiating between large-scale and classroom assessment, but also examining how the design principles overlap. The focus then shifts to classroom assessment and provides specific examples of assessment strategies, before examining the impact of large-scale assessment on curriculum, policy, instruction, and classroom assessment. The book concludes by discussing the challenges that teachers currently face, as well as ways to support them. The book offers a common language for researchers in assessment, as well as a primer for those interested in understanding current work in the area of assessment. In summary, it provides the opportunity to discuss large-scale and classroom assessment by addressing the following main themes: ·Purposes, Traditions and Principles of Assessment ·Design of Assessment Tasks ·Classroom Assessment in Action ·Interactions of Large-Scale and Classroom Assessment ·Enhancing Sound Assessment Knowledge and Practices It also suggests areas for future research in assessment in mathematics education.