When administering performance tests, what should the instructor ensure?

The focus of effective performance testing lies in aligning the subject matter of the test with the actual skills and knowledge that are being assessed. Ensuring that the content of the test directly correlates with the material taught and practiced is crucial for both the integrity of the assessment and the validity of the results.

When the subject matter matches the skills being tested, it allows for an accurate evaluation of a student's competence in that area. This alignment confirms that the instructor is measuring the intended outcomes and that students are being assessed on what they have learned, which promotes fair and meaningful assessments. This connection also supports effective instructional design and helps instructors identify areas where students may need further instruction or practice.

In contrast, options suggesting that instructions should be paraphrased to save time, that scores should be recorded at the end, or that all test administration rules be eliminated do not prioritize the accuracy or relevance of the testing process. Instead, these practices could lead to confusion, lack of clarity, and potential bias in the assessment of students' performance.