Assessment Designed for 21st Century Learners

Today’s students need deep understanding of important ideas and processes that enable them to transfer learning to new and unfamiliar situations. Performance assessments are uniquely suited to assess this deeper understanding, along with complex thinking and durable skills students need for future success.

Workshop Description:

This workshop introduces educators to the Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre (MiPAC) assessments, which help teachers authentically assess what students know and can do. Developed by and for Michigan educators, this free, open education resource includes more than 250 dynamic performance assessments aligned to Michigan’s Model Competencies in English Language Arts (grades 3-12) and Mathematics (grades 3-8).

Workshop Outcomes:

• Gain understanding about the anatomy of a high-quality performance assessment.
• Explore the MiPAC catalog and the rich supporting assessment resources available to educators.
• Consider how and when to use performance assessment within their own classroom, building, or district context.
• Develop a sample assessment plan that includes why, when, and how to administer performance assessments, as well as how to use the resulting evidence of student learning.
• Build awareness of resources, organizations, and learning opportunities that support assessment literacy and the use of performance assessment in the context of competency-based education (CBE).

Who should attend this workshop?

• Educators who are curious about the power and potential of non-traditional assessment and assessment practices that deepen and transform learning.
• Educators seeking to build student-centered, personalized learning systems by strengthening the connections among curriculum, assessment, and instruction.

Workshop format:

This is a blended learning workshop. Participants are encouraged to attend in person and bring a laptop or other device; those unable to attend in person may connect via Zoom.

The morning session will include a presentation, instruction, and guided exploration of the MiPAC website and Performance Assessment Catalog.

Following lunch, the afternoon session will shift from exploration to application. Participants will engage in guided planning based on their own local context and needs, while also identifying resources and opportunities for continued learning and support beyond the workshop.

About the presenters:

Dr. Ellen Vorenkamp is Michigan Assessment Consortium’s Professional Learning Director and the Assessment Director for the MiPAC Project.

Dr. Kathy Dewsbury-White is the CEO of the Michigan Assessment Consortium and has responsibility for MAC’s portfolio of assessment learning and development programs, services, networks, and communities.

Workshop Cost:

There is no registration fee for this event. The workshop and related resources are supported by the Michigan Department of Education as part of the MiPAC project.

Registration is required. Interested participants should indicate when registering if they will be attending in person or virtually.

In-person seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Workshop Dates:

The workshop will be offered twice during the 2026-2027 school year. Select the date that works best for your schedule! The same workshop content will be offered on each date.

Option 1: October 27, 2026

Option 2:  April 27, 2027

Time:

9:30 am – 2:00 p.m. ET

Questions? Contact evorenkamp@michiganassessmentconsortium.org