# Assessment Design

> Formative vs summative, rubric design, authentic assessment, competency-based evaluation, and feedback

- Skill: `gabrielmoreira/assessment-design` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add gabrielmoreira/assessment-design`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/gabrielmoreira/assessment-design/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: gabrielmoreira (https://skillmd.com/u/gabrielmoreira)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/gabrielmoreira/assessment-design

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# Assessment Design

Create fair, effective assessments that measure real learning.

## Assessment Types

| Type | Purpose | Frequency | Examples |
|------|---------|-----------|----------|
| Diagnostic | Find starting point | Before instruction | Pre-test, KWL chart |
| Formative | Guide learning | Ongoing | Exit tickets, quizzes, discussion |
| Summative | Evaluate achievement | End of unit | Exam, project, presentation |
| Authentic | Real-world application | Culminating | Portfolio, case study, simulation |
| Competency-based | Demonstrate mastery | On demand | Performance tasks, certifications |

## Rubric Design

### Analytic Rubric (Preferred)
| Criteria | 1 - Novice | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
|----------|-----------|---------------|----------------|----------------|
| Clarity | Unclear, confusing | Somewhat clear | Clear and organized | Exceptionally clear |
| Evidence | No support | Limited support | Relevant support | Compelling, diverse evidence |
| Analysis | Summary only | Some analysis | Good analysis | Deep, nuanced insight |

### Holistic Rubric
Single score based on overall quality. Faster but less specific.

### Best Practices
- Define 3-5 criteria aligned to learning objectives
- Use observable, specific language (not "good" or "poor")
- Include examples or exemplars for each level
- Share rubrics before the assessment
- Calibrate with other assessors before grading

## Feedback Principles
- **Timely**: Within 24-48 hours or before next similar task
- **Specific**: "Your thesis statement clearly argues X" (not "good job")
- **Actionable**: "Try using a clearer topic sentence at paragraph start"
- **Kind**: Address the work, not the person
- **Forward-looking**: "For next time, consider..."

## Competency-Based Assessment
- Learners advance upon demonstration of mastery
- Multiple assessment opportunities
- No penalty for first attempts
- Focus on skills and application, not time spent
- Personalized learning paths