Introduction Standards & Skills Assessment Items Scoring Criteria Student Samples Author Profiles References

Welcome to Alternative Assessment in Geography. This document reports a research and development effort of the Standards and Assessment Division of the Illinois State Board of Education. This report presents assessment activities, scoring rubrics, and sample student responses developed to assist educators in assessing student learning in the area of geography. Assessment activities should be aligned with desired educational results. To demonstrate model approaches for the alignment, the activities included here are organized both by national standards and Illinois State Board of Education's Learning Standards. The cooperation of many teachers and members of Illinois Geographic Alliance is appreciated. The dedication and persistence of the authors is noted and appreciated. The expertise and assistance of the cartographic lab at Illinois State University were vital to the completion of this task. Alternative Assessment in Geography provides educators with tools and models upon which to build assessment to tap multiple dimensions of learning. Geographic education will become a vital component of assisting students in meeting educational standards. The accurate assessment of student learning is a vital component of the educational process. Alternative Assessment in Geography is a step forward in meeting demands for assessment practices. brought to you by Illinois State Board of Education Standards and Assessment Division AUTHORS Norman C. Bettis, Ph.D. Jill Freund Thomas, M.A. Fredrick H. Walk, M.S. Ed. Joseph L. White, M. Ed. Project Directed by John C. Craig, Ph.D. Illinois State Board of Education CREDITS Web Development By Interactive Data Technologies, Ltd. Springfield, Illinois