Using Performance Assessment for Accountability Purposes. William A. Mehrens. The use of performance assessments in accountability programs is discussed. Performance assessments have the potential to measure important objectives not easily measured by multiple-choice tests. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for every purpose, and their use should not be oversold.
Many psychometric issues remain to be resolved.
What Research Tells Us about Good Assessment. Joan L. Herman. This article appeared in a special issue on performance assessment. It summarizes research supporting current beliefs in testing, identifies good assessment qualities, and reviews the current knowledge of test design. Standardized tests negatively affect academic program quality.