Benchmark Assessments

To assess student understanding and compare student performance in typical and TELS-enhanced classes, we have implemented a cohort comparison study using benchmark assessments. The same scoring rubric capturing progress in knowledge integration was developed and applied to each item used in TELS assessments. The first benchmark assessments were administered to students in TELS schools prior to their use of TELS projects. These benchmark results also informed the initial design of the TELS modules.

In the second and third years, we administered benchmark assessments to students of TELS teachers. Most of the students who participated in the benchmark assessments had also studied at least one TELS project. Analysis of these results will inform design of new curriculum modules and updates/modifications to existing TELS modules. These results enable TELS to compare students who studied TELS to similar students who did not study TELS.