Designing Integrated Performance Assessments
How do I design an Integrated Performance Assessment?
IPAs have a typical structure, with interpretive tasks first, followed by interpersonal and presentational tasks which may be in either order. Remember that each task informs the subsequent task. You can create an IPA using the following steps:
Think about the learning outcomes and proficiency targets of your unit or course and what tasks would be authentic and appropriate for your students.
Select an authentic text to be read, listened to, or watched by your students and design your interpretive task and overall context for the IPA.
Design your interpersonal and presentational tasks. Check that each task builds upon previous tasks.
Develop or modify the rubrics that you will use to evaluate student performances.
- Plan how and when you will provide feedback during and after the assessment. Make sure to dedicate time for each IPA task that includes review of the rubric and performance expectations, performance, and feedback.
To prepare your students for success on IPAs, you can share the introduction that provides context and purpose for the series of tasks well in advance, model task expectations and share exemplars of student performance, and provide regular opportunities for practice that may include self- and peer-assessment.
To learn more about creating an IPA unit and view example IPAs, see the CARLA Virtual Assessment Center series Create an Assessment Unit Step-by-Step.
