With enthusiasm and support from the organization, Burtch s students were able to successfully participate in a computer-based project, write a book, and demonstrate the value of cooperative learning. When the included child is assessed by the same means as the other children in the classroom they tend to fall behind and become discouraged. With the national move to inclusive settings in elementary classrooms, teachers need a better way than standardized testing to assess students. Performance-based testing indicates individual progress made by students. It also allows for observation and reflection.
Portfolios are also good to use for assessing inclusive children.
Portfolios indicate progress over time. The teacher can look through the samples of the children s work and determine whether the children are progressing or if additional help is needed. The children s strengths and weaknesses can be determined. Another important way the portfolio helps in assessment is that it gives the children as well as the teacher a time for reflection. Self-evaluation is a critical aspect of portfolios.