The Cost of Science Performance Assessments in Large-Scale Testing Programs

Estimates of the costs of including hands-on measures of science skills in large-scale assessment programs are drawn from a field trial involving more than 2,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students. These estimates include the resources needed to develop, administer, and score the tasks. They suggest that performance measures are far more expensive than typical multiple-choice tests for an equal amount of testing time, and the cost increases even further for an equally reliable score on an individual student. Because of the complexities of equipment and materials, hands-on measures in science are about three times more expensive than open-ended writing assessments. Alternative approaches to development and administration (such as using less expensive equipment and having the tasks administered by classroom teachers rather than trained Exercise Administrators) could reduce costs by up to 50%, but these practices may reduce the quality of the data obtained. However, including performance assessments in a state’s testing program may have many positive effects, including fostering standards-based educational reform and encouraging more effective teaching methods. The challenge is to determine whether these potential benefits actually exist and if they do, how they can be realized within the budget constraints of most testing programs.