Performance Assessments to Support Competency Based Education
The Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre (MiPAC) assessments help teachers authentically assess what students know and can do. These student-centered assessments are especially useful in flexible learning environments such as competency-based education (CBE).
Assessment in CBE
How does assessment support a CBE model?
Today’s students need to learn more than just information and content; they also need deep understandings of important ideas and processes that enable them to transfer learning to new situations. Assessment systems that support CBE balance authentic, student-centered practices such as performance assessment and skilled use of the formative assessment process.
What is Performance Assessment?
Performance assessment provides opportunities for students to show what they know and can do with the complex and high-level demands of 21st century education. Performance assessment is the “item type” of choice when performance in context is being assessed and when the teacher is seeking to create opportunities for authentic demonstrations of products and performances and application of knowledge and skills requiring higher order thinking. Most students find performance assessment motivating and engaging, and teachers appreciate investing in opportunities that permit students to show what they know and can do.
Who benefits from Performance Assessment?
Who seek authentic ways to show what they know and can do.
Seeking to better engage students in their learning.
Implementing a CBE model of instruction.
Investing In Students’ Futures
How does Michigan define “competency”?
The MiPAC assessments support Michigan’s high expectations for students who are prepared for life after their K-12 graduation. All assessments are aligned to Michigan’s Model Competencies in ELA and Mathematics.
Tools & Resources
Want to be involved in MiPAC?
MiPAC is the Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre. We create and pilot performance assessment items. New cohorts of item developers form every year. Sign up now to receive valuable professional learning while contributing to our growing catalog of performance assessments! We also offer resources and learning opportunities for educators committed to implementing balanced assessment systems that include the use of performance assessments like those developed by MiPAC.