ACER models of writing: Changing the assessment mindset

Abstract

This presentation outlines different models of writing assessment that have a proven track record in various programs delivered by ACER. These models include holistic scoring, and partial analytical scoring on a number of criteria. The writing prompts for these models assume extended pieces of writing. The presentation will also introduce a new and alternative model of writing assessment that ACER has implemented in several large-scale assessments. This model is built on shorter pieces of writing from each student, designed to give more accurate and diverse insights into students’ proficiency in writing in a range of text types, within the constraints of limited assessment time. Each short piece is coded using a different marking scheme with customised criteria. The three models – holistic scoring, partial analytical scoring and customised criterion scoring – are designed for different assessment contexts, from high-stakes selection to formative use by classroom teachers.