"Authentic assessment is an assessment strategy where students are asked to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential knowledge and skills" (Mueller, 2006).

"Authentic assessment is assessment of learning that focuses on performance of skill or knowledge in a manner within appropriate context; naturalistic, developmentally appropriate; and culturally sensitive evaluation of children using observation and other informal methods of data collection" (Martin, 1999).

• The rubric can be implemented as a tool for collecting authentic assessment because it has many characteristics that occur within it.

• The criteria in a rubric outline the performance skill or knowledge that you want from your students. The students may even take part in the contribution to the rubric with the teacher. This creates a student-contributed/centered approach.

• The rubric will be developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive in the criteria.

• The hallmark of a rubric is that it allows students to pinpoint what is expected of them so that they can approach an activity in a way that is much more naturalistic.

• Rubrics are a form of guided observation for a teacher that que for specific areas of interest to be watched for when data is collected.

Authentic Assessment Characteristic and Connection to Rubric

Holistic- Looks at many different aspects of an evaluation.

Observation- Is a tool for guiding observation. Allows the teacher to remember what to look for in order to assess. It highlights the importants parts/skills that are being promoted and developed through the activity.

Variety- Uses many different criteria and degrees in assessing the product. This allows for an assessment that is holistic because it focuses on many aspects of a project rather than just one. This means that a student will have many ways to succeed.

Process Focused- Acts as a guide for students in understanding what is expected so that a process of tasks leading to the completion of the project can occur. It is much easier to focus on a task when we can see clearly what that task is. In a sense it provides a framework to work backwards from an imagined and very well outlined product so that the student has an idea of what to emphasis and highlight through a conceptualized framework of what is being looked for.

Real Life Events- Often is used for observing student projects and presentations. Example-Evaluating Speeches.

Child Contributes- If the child helps in making the rubric for assessment this can create ownership and higher thinking activities as they see themselves and their work from a new perspective.


Other rubric features that authentic assessment tries to approach include: