Equity in Assessment

Community

Built on the constructs of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Assessment argues for an intentional focus on conducting assessment in ways that recognize and support the needs of our increasingly diverse student populations while attending to issues of equity. Assessment approaches that are culturally appropriate can more effectively promote academic achievement for students from diverse backgrounds.


What is Culturally Responsive Assessment?

Culturally Responsive Assessment (CRA) is grounded in the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusion. It acknowledges that traditional assessment methods may inadvertently reinforce inequalities by overlooking cultural differences and diverse ways of learning and demonstrating knowledge.

Core Principles of CRA:
  • Cultural Awareness: Recognize and value students' diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Relevance and Context: Design assessments that connect to students’ lived experiences and prior knowledge.
  • Fairness: Ensure assessments measure learning outcomes accurately for all students, avoiding cultural bias.
  • Flexibility: Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning, such as presentations, group projects, or portfolios.

Why Does Equity in Assessment Matter?

Equitable assessment practices help:

  • Promote Student Success: By reducing barriers and creating opportunities for all students to succeed.
  • Reflect Learning More Accurately: Assessments that honor diverse perspectives offer a fuller picture of student progress.
  • Build Trust and Engagement: Culturally relevant approaches foster relationships and strengthen student buy-in.
  • Support Institutional Accountability: Ensures fairness in evaluating learning outcomes and addressing achievement gaps.

Strategies for Implementing Equity-Centered Assessments

1. Incorporate Student Voice
  • Engage students in the assessment design process to ensure their perspectives are reflected.
  • Use surveys or focus groups to gather input on how students perceive assessments.
2. Diversify Assessment Methods
  • Provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate learning (e.g., essays, multimedia projects, oral presentations, and reflective journals).
  • Offer low-stakes assessments that allow for practice and growth without penalty.
3. Contextualize Learning Goals
  • Design assessments that are relevant to students’ cultural contexts and lived experiences.
  • Use examples and scenarios that reflect diverse perspectives.
4. Analyze Data with Equity in Mind
  • Disaggregate data to identify trends and gaps across different student groups.
  • Use findings to inform teaching practices and improve equity outcomes.
5. Provide Transparent Criteria
  • Share detailed rubrics and clear grading expectations to reduce ambiguity.
  • Offer examples of successful work to model expectations.

Equity in Higher Education Assessment and Evaluation Resources

  • Montenegro, E., & Jankowski, N. A. (2017, January). Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA).
  • Montenegro, E., & Jankowski, N. A. (2020, January). Urbana, IL: University of Illinois and Indiana University, National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA).

Professional Organizations and Guides

  • , University of Illinois
  • , American Evaluation Association
  • , National Compadres Network
  • , National Science Foundation
  • recommended by Helen Kara