Why use Performance Tasks in your classroom?
NextLesson’s Performance Tasks require students to apply standards-based skills in a real-world context, using real data or information. Our tasks use engaging topics that students care about such as sports, music, books, movies, and more. They will increase in cognitive demand – DOK level – as the student works through the task.
ELA Performance Tasks
ELA Performance Tasks focus on one of the three main text types: informative, opinion/argument, and narrative. Students are presented with a model text which they annotate before answering reading questions. They then complete a short writing task and a speaking and listening activity in preparation for the final extended writing task.
The tasks are intended to build student competency but can also be considered to be modular, meaning not all parts of the task need to be completed.
Available for grades 3 -12. Check them out!
Math Performance Tasks
Math Performance Tasks start with repeated practice of a core skill, before moving to a second skill using higher order questioning and application. Students are then presented with a challenge which is designed to reach Webb’s Depth of Knowledge level 3 and often requires students to reason and justify using mathematical evidence. Each task ends with a cross-curricular or project extension allowing the tasks to be developed further.
These tasks are also intended to build student competency but can also be considered to be modular, meaning not all parts of the task need to be completed.
Available for grades 3-12. Check them out!
Now let’s look at some how-tos for Performance Tasks!
How to Assign a Performance Task
Most of our Performance Tasks are part of our interactive platform, which means they can be assigned, completed, and at least some parts graded online.
- Go to My Lessons and click on the Performance Task you want to assign
- Use the Editions dropdown to select the edition you want to share (editions must be shared separately)
- Click on the Share icon on the right side toolbar
- Share with whole classes by selecting them from your class list
- OR expand each class to assign to students individually
- Click Share
- ONLY for ELA Performance Tasks: Students are assigned the “at grade level” reading level by default. If you wish to Update the Reading Level, change it before the student starts on the lesson or answers may be lost when the reading level is updated midstream.
How to Assign Multiple Editions
Individual editions of a lesson must be shared separately.
- Go to My Lessons and open the lesson you want to share
- Use the Editions dropdown to switch between editions
- Assign the Edition by clicking the share icon on the right toolbar
- Use the Editions toggle to switch to a different edition
- Repeat steps 2 through 4 until all desired editions have been assigned
How to Lock and Unlock Sections For Students
Performance Tasks offer two different section settings:
- Unlocked- this section will be viewable to students
- Locked- this section will not be viewable to students, only to the teacher
When you assign a Performance Task, the default section setting will be, “unlocked” for all sections. To change the setting for any of the sections:
- Assign the Performance Task to your students
- From the Teacher View, visit the Table of Contents
- On the same tab, click Lesson Settings
- Select the appropriate locked/unlocked setting for each section
How to Update the Reading Level (ELA Performance Tasks Only)
For ELA Performance Tasks, NextLesson offers three different reading levels:
- Below Grade Level
- At Grade Level (default)
- Above Grade Level
When you assign an ELA Performance Task, the default reading level will be, “At Grade Level.” To change the level:
- Assign the Performance Task to your students
- From the Teacher View, visit the Table of Contents
- Click Lesson Settings
- Select the appropriate reading level for each student
- Click Save Reading Levels
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