Developing Criteria for performance Assessments: The Missing Link

Criteria used to evaluate the quality of performance should represent clear benchmarks of growth. Specifications of criteria, however, are often delayed until work samples need to be scored. This article proposes that criteria should be defined, at least tentatively, during the initial design of a performance assessment. Six characteristics are presented for sound criteria: significance, fidelity, generalizability, developmental appropriateness, accessibility, and utility. In addition, the article recommends tactics for specifying evaluative criteria.