Curriculum renewal and achievement assessment via computer management systems in mathematics

Abstract

10 8. provide a skills and concepts assessment process; and 9. prepare a manual to serve as a handbook for future development of curriculum driven assessment based upon the SIM research. Basic Assumptions 1. The outcome based approach selected by Gilbert and numerous other districts will persist in spite of the lack of state mandated outcomes. 2. Teachers will select appropriate activities and test items given a properly arranged set of choices. 3. A computer package exists that can manage student performance data which will facilitate formative testing. 4. Gilbert Elementary School is representative of other small districts in its progress toward improved curriculvun alignment and assessment. Delimitation or Scope of Investigation 1. This experiment will be delimited to the Gilbert School District in the school years 1992 to 1994. 2. The study will involve only fifth and sixth grade mathematics. 3. The computer software package will be the Instructional Management Systems Performance Plus^*^ provided by National Computer Systems (NCS) Corporation. 4. The data gathered are limited to mathematics at the fifth and sixth grade levels. 3. The computer software package will be the Instructional Management Systems Performance Plus^'' provided by National Computer Systems (NCS) Corporation. 4. The data gathered are limited to mathematics at the fifth and sixth grade levels. 5. Only conventional instruction and materials used by the Gilbert fifth and sixth grade teachers will be utilized. 6. Formative components will be based on existing summative components from the School Improvement Model and teacher-made and text book items from the Gilbert Elementary School. Definition of Terms Criteria-A standard or test that can be used to judge performance. Criterion-referenced measure-Test items that relate directly to the written objectives of the instructional program. Curriculum alignment-The match between the written, the taught, and tested curriculum. Curriculum assessment-The evaluation of information and material. Curriculum renewal-The process of reviewing a curriculum to determine needed additional material. Formative evaluation-The use of systematic evaluation in the process of curriculum construction, teaching, and learning for the purpose of improving any of the three processes (Bloom et al., 1971, p. 117). 12 Mastery learning-A model of learning in which all students are expected to achieve over time the mastery of predetermined subject matter and skills. Rubric-Scoring or grading or (conceivably) ranking guide for a test.