Readings

Authentic Tasks, John Mueller
As you read this article pay particular attention to the section "Characteristics of Authentic Tasks," and think about how you will devise assessments that will engage students with a variety of learning styles.

Recommendations for Developing Classroom Performance Assessments and Scoring Rubrics, Barbara M. Moskal
Review this article for practical suggestions about how to design a well-aligned, authentic performance assessment.

  Activities

1. Review Resources
   Explore this assortment of online assessment resources compiled by the University of Wisconsin. This collection is designed to help teachers find resources about designing authentic assessments. According to your needs and interests, open and review at least two of the resources presented on the website. How can you integrate these ideas into your final project? What new ideas about assessment do these resources generate?
2. 
   Watch
   View the “Closing Thoughts - Focusing on Students” segment of the Differentiating Mathematics Instruction video. (This clip is located second from the bottom in the “Segments” list.) In this video, Dr. Marian Small shares her thoughts on what a differentiated classroom looks like, and why helping each student access mathematics in his or her own way is important.
3. 
   Final Project
   Open the Differentiating Instruction to Accommodate Learning Styles: Lesson Plan Template and review the learning goals and activities that you have planned so far. Identify assessments that will allow students with a variety of learning styles to demonstrate what they know and are able to do based on your lesson.

   Also, you should begin to plan specific strategies you might use to differentiate your instruction to help all students meet the learning goals you've identified. Complete sections 5-7 of the template by doing the following:

   • Complete the Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles grid.
   • Describe how you will assess student work.
   • Describe your plan for differentiating instruction in your classroom.
4. 
   Make a Rubric (Optional)
   Create a rubric outlining the criteria by which you will measure student performance on the assessment(s) you design. You may wish to use the resources listed in the optional readings to guide your work.