Performance Task PD with Jay McTighe

  • Module 1:  What is a performance task and why should we use them?
  • Definition of a performance task
  • Key characteristics of performance tasks
  • Rational for using performance tasks
  • Module 2: How do we develop authentic performance tasks?
  • Criteria for an effective performance task
  • Structured design process
  • Review, pilot, revise
  • Module 3: How do we teach toward success on performance tasks?
  • Using performance tasks as teaching and learning targets
  • Share rubric and models
  • Teachers' role shifts to that of a coach - on-going formative assessment and feedback
  • Plan backward - task analysis, pre-assessment, instruction, on-going formative assessment
  • Need "scrimmages" to prepare for the game
  • Basic knowledge and skills taught as a "means" to authentic performance "ends"
  • Engage students in self-assessment, reflection and goal setting
  • Module 4: How will we reliably evaluate student performance on open-ended tasks?
  • 4 Types of criterion-based evaluation tools
  • Characteristics of an effective rubric
  • Training and practice in evaluation
  • Translating rubric scores into grades?
  • Designing rubrics

Pricing Information:

Please contact Defined Learning for a complete proposal and a detailed walkthrough.

  • Defined STEM Customer:
  • $895 per building per year
  • Includes updates and access for new staff
  • Non Defined STEM Customer
  • $1295 per building per year
  • Includes updates and access for new staff
Jay McTighe

Jay McTighe brings a wealth of experience developed during a rich and varied career in education. He served as director of the Maryland Assessment Consortium, a state collaboration of school districts working together to develop and share formative performance assessments. Prior to this position, Jay was involved with school improvement projects at the Maryland State Department of Education where he helped lead Maryland’s standards-based reforms, including the development of performance-based statewide assessments.

Jay is an accomplished author, having co-authored 14 books, including the award-winning and best-selling Understanding by Design series with Grant Wiggins.