Chocolate Polyhedra is one of several sample MARS assessment tasks. School districts and states across the US are engaged in a process of standards-based reform. The Mathematics Assessment Resource Service, works with districts and states on performance assessment design and implementation, and on professional development for designers and teachers. The aim is to help the local leadership develop local capability to meet local needs. There is a widespread demand.
Tasks are at the heart of standards-based reform.
A much broader range of tasks is needed for performance assessment - mainly rich, substantial tasks close to those which students need to be able to tackle, if they are to be effective in their everyday life and work. We give some examples of such tasks, of student work on them, and of how it is assessed. Materials of various kinds underpin these services. We outline some of those available, with information on how to obtain them. Since each district has its own history and program of systemic change, there are many variations in the common need for help with design and professional development.