Sugarman Have students select a range of work for their portfolios. When my colleagues and I asked students to include only their best pieces, we found that it didn't get them to think critically about their work. By asking them to select a breadth of material, including pieces that show a lack of effort, you give them the opportunity to think about quality and examine their work in terms of these standards. When you assign a project, help kids understand the standards of a high quality performance, but then turn them loose and let them make mistakes. Convey to them that their mistakes will reflect not as errors but as points of growth, Provide clues, but don't coach students every step of the way.
Authentic assessment requires authentic teaching, which requires a higher degree of trust.
Teach the child, trust the child, and the child will learn. Allen Use assessment sheets to help kids self-assess. Write up questions that will get kids thinking about themselves as learners. When I meet with parents, I often use their child's responses as a starting point for our conversation. With every project you assign, share with students your standards for excellence.