Using Integrated Performance Assessments

How can I use performance tasks to assess multiple communicative modes?

Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) feature three tasks, where each task assessing a different communicative mode—Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational as defined by the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages—is connected by a central theme. For example, you can ask students to answer comprehension questions based on something they have read, followed by paired discussion of the text, then have them write essays based on a synthesis of information gathered when completing previous tasks.

In an IPA, each task provides information and elicits language interaction needed for the next tasks. Students are given feedback after each task which helps them prepare for the rest of the assessment, typically using scoring rubrics that rate how well the performance met expectations. IPAs therefore provide educators with valuable information about students’ communicative abilities across modes and incorporate continuous opportunities for feedback and improvement. They are often used as end-of-course summative assessments but can also be used for formative purposes aligned to different units.