Why is it incorrect to allow students to practice a performance-based assessment before it is conducted?

Why is it incorrect to allow students to practice a performance-based assessment before it is conducted?

• A. It decreases the validity of the assessment results
• B. It creates unnecessary anxiety for students
• C. It is similar to allowing practice on a written assessment, which does not accurately measure mastery of skills
• D. It allows students to develop poor habits

Answer: (C)

Allowing students to practice a performance-based assessment before it is conducted can lead to a misunderstanding of how such assessments function. Performance-based assessments are intended to measure students' ability to apply skills and knowledge in real-world or simulated scenarios. If students are given the opportunity to practice the specific tasks that will be assessed, it can result in them becoming too familiar with the exact requirements, which may not reflect their true understanding or capability in those skills when assessed in a high-stakes environment.

The essence of performance assessments is to capture students' ability to perform tasks spontaneously, simulating real-life situations where prior practice cannot be guaranteed. This contrasts with written assessments, where practices can be similar without compromising the validity of the assessment. In essence, when students are allowed to practice the exact performance tasks, it undermines the integrity of the assessment results, making it difficult to gauge whether students have genuinely mastered the skills intended to be evaluated. Therefore, the reasoning centers on ensuring that the assessment provides an accurate and fair representation of student mastery rather than merely a reflection of their ability to replicate practiced tasks.