About the Study
Lyons Assessment Consulting explored how a fully performance-based assessment system could align with federal standards for comparability and rigor. Their study of the Portfolios of Performance (PoP) Pilot, led by the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Educational Assessment (MCIEA), not only informs federal policy but also offers actionable insights for states aiming to innovate their assessment systems.
They found that PoP assessments have a strong potential to meet federal requirements, and provide concrete recommendations on how to strengthen state summative assessments.
Why This Matters
Statewide assessments shape how schools measure student learning, allocate resources, and make decisions that affect every classroom. Traditional assessments often focus on multiple-choice tests, which can miss the full range of student skills and potential.
Performance-based systems like the Portfolios of Performance (PoP) Pilot offer a richer, more authentic view of what students know and can do. By exploring how these assessments align with federal requirements, Lyons Assessment Consulting provides a roadmap for states to innovate responsibly—strengthening accountability while giving students opportunities to demonstrate deeper learning.
About The K12 Research for Equity Hub
The K12 Research for Equity Hub, managed by EduDream, is a multi-year research initiative where research teams embark on year-long investigations to generate actionable insights that strengthen accountability and assessment systems.
The Hub research aims to inform education policymakers and decision-makers on the potential of alternative approaches to K12 assessment and accountability and makes the case for evidence-based and equity-centered accountability policy and practice shifts at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Hub’s latest cycle examines key questions like:
