3 Strategies for Developing Performance Tasks in Math

3 Strategies for Developing Performance Tasks in Math

Performance tasks provide an opportunity to assess students’ higher-order thinking and reasoning, which is sometimes difficult to evaluate using multiple-choice or other content-driven assessment items. As indicated in the name, this type of assessment is truly a “performance,” where students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of designated mathematical standards. On next-generation assessments in particular, these tasks are usually composed of several technology-enhanced items and at least one item requiring a short or extended constructed response. Here are three strategies for developing rigorous mathematical performance tasks:

1)       Assess Content Through Processes