Chapter 2: “Keeping it Real”: Assessing 21st Century Skills Through Performance-Based Assessment

It is a Friday morning in June, and I am waiting to hear proposals for projects designed to assist nations struggling to meet one or more of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The winner will be awarded $10 million to fund their project. To be considered for funding each group will need to present compelling evidence that the country they are advocating for is in need of this money along with a comprehensive plan that describes specific actions to provide aid and plan for longterm, sustainable remedies. A detailed breakdown of costs is also required to demonstrate how the money will be spent. Each group will present their case through a multimedia presentation and information, compiled into a pamphlet. There are several groups competing for the funding and I, along with three colleagues, will determine which project is awarded the money. We will be listening closely to assess which proposal does the best job of defining the problem and putting forth a logical and sustainable plan.