Performance Assessment on High School Advanced Algebra

The lack of feedback in the student-teacher relationship creates an incomplete perspective about the learning process in Mathematics, as for example in Advanced Algebra. This research was conducted in Mexico using a theoretical framework for performance assessment, based on the competencies for Advanced Algebra learning at the high school level. The objective sought to explore students’ perceptions after a performance assessment process, using two groups of students who took Advanced Algebra for the second time because of low academic achievement. Mixed methods research was selected for understanding profoundly how performance assessment reports (PAR) could bring useful information to students for reaching expected performance levels. A performance rubric based on Marzano and Kendall’s New Taxonomy, as well as semi-structured interviews, were used for data collection purposes. The findings confirm that changing the assessment method from traditional grading to performance assessing can be a clearer approach for understanding students’ strengths and weakness as Advanced Algebra learners.