Authentic Assessment Using Student Portfolios

Clearly, all levels of education are moving towards a standards based form of assessment of student learning. At the K-12 level, State Departments of Education are leading the way by creating specific standards and using norm and criterion referenced standardized tests to ensure that minimum standards are met. At the university level, accrediting bodies, including the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), have revised the criteria for accrediting programs. The new approach shifts emphasis away from what is being taught to what is being learned and is less proscriptive of required coursework [1]. Learning outcomes are now based on what students should know and be able to do in order to prove they are competent in both university and professional standards. But many questions remain regarding the best way to assess standards based student learning and aligning the numerous standards set forth by university, professional and regional accrediting bodies.