Authenticity

Typical test	"Authentic" task	Indicators of authenticity
Requires correct responses only	Requires quality product and/or performance, and justification	We assess whether the student can explain, apply, self-adjust, or justify answers, not just the correctness of answers using facts & algorithms.
Must be unknown in advance to insure validity	Known as much as possible in advance; the 'test' involves excelling at predictable demanding and core tasks; not a "gotcha!" experience	The tasks, criteria, and standards by which work will be judged are predictable or known-like the recital piece, the play, engines to be fixed, proposals to a client, etc.
Disconnected from a realistic context and realistic constraints	"Real-world" use of knowledge is required: the student must 'do' history, science, etc. in realistic simulation or actual use	A challenge and set of constraints that are authentic-Iikely to be encountered by the professional, citizen, or consumer. (Know-how, not plugging in, is required. )
Isolated "items" requiring use or recognition of known answers or skills	An integrated challenge in which knowledge and judgment must be innovatively used to fashion a quality product performance	The task is multi-faceted and non- routine, even if there is a "right" answer. The task thus requires problem clarifying, trial and error, adjustments, f or adapting to the case or facts at hand, etc.
Simplified so as to be easy to score reliably	Complex and non-arbitrary tasks, criteria, and standards	The task involves the important aspects of performance and/or core challenges of the field of study, not the easily-scored; does not sacrifice validity for reliability .
One-shot	Iterative: recurring essential tasks, genres, and standards	The work is designed to reveal whether the student has achieved real vs. pseudo mastery or understanding vs. mere familiarity over time.
Depends upon highly-technical correlations	Provides direct evidence, involving tasks that have been validated against core adult roles and discipline-based challenges	The task is valid and fair on its face. It thus evokes student interest and persistence; seems apt and challenging to students and teachers.
Provides a score, and/or limited feedback after the fact	Provides usable, diagnostic (sometimes concurrent) feedback: the student is able to confirm result and self-adjust as needed	The assessment is designed not merely to audit performance but to improve future performance. The student is seen as the primary 'customer' of information.