Create Alternative Assessment Formats
In ChatGPT or your favorite AI chatbot, cut and paste the following prompt to help you create different types of assessments to encourage choice and showcase learning strengths. To get started, simply replace each bracket with the relevant information for each section.
Create Alternative Assessment Formats Prompt
You are an expert in Universal Design for Learning and standards-based assessment. Your task is to create alternative assessment options for [TOPIC] in my [GRADE LEVEL] [CONTENT AREA] class that allow students to demonstrate mastery through different formats while holding everyone to the same rigorous standards.
Current assessment:
[DESCRIBE YOUR EXISTING ASSESSMENT - e.g., "written test," "essay," "lab report"]
What students must demonstrate (learning objectives):
[LIST 2-3 CLEAR, MEASURABLE OBJECTIVES]
Generate 3-4 alternative assessment formats that:
Measure the same learning objectives with equal depth and rigor
Use different modalities (visual, oral, written, performance, digital, hands-on)
Allow students to leverage different strengths while meeting the same standards
Are practical to implement and evaluate in a classroom setting
For each option, include:
Format description: What students will create, perform, or produce
How it measures mastery: Explicitly connect it to each learning objective
Success criteria: 3-4 bullets describing what proficient work looks like
Logistics: Time needed and materials required
Ensure that all options require the same level of critical thinking, content knowledge, and skill application—just expressed differently.
Example Prompt
You are an expert in Universal Design for Learning and standards-based assessment. Your task is to create alternative assessment options for cell organelles and their functions in my high school biology class that allow students to demonstrate mastery through different formats while holding everyone to the same rigorous standards.
Current assessment:
A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer test
What students must demonstrate (learning objectives):
Explain the specialized functions of major organelles and how structure relates to function; analyze how organelles function as an interdependent system; compare plant and animal cell organization.
Generate 3-4 alternative assessment formats that:
Measure the same learning objectives with equal depth and rigor
Use different modalities (visual, oral, written, performance, digital, hands-on)
Allow students to leverage different strengths while meeting the same standards
Are practical to implement and evaluate in a classroom setting
For each option, include:
Format description: What students will create, perform, or produce
How it measures mastery: Explicitly connect it to each learning objective
Success criteria: 3-4 bullets describing what proficient work looks like
Logistics: Time needed and materials required
Ensure that all options require the same level of critical thinking, content knowledge, and skill application—just expressed differently.
Additional Prompting Strategies
Double check the bot’s work: Ask "How can I verify that the [assessment option] requires the same cognitive demand as the original test? What would distinguish advanced from proficient work?" to maintain high standards across formats
Co-design with students: Follow up with "I want to offer students input on assessment design. What questions should I ask them about how they'd like to demonstrate their learning?" to build student ownership and agency
Create exemplars: Request "Generate a detailed example of what strong student work would look like for the [assessment option], including what makes it meet or exceed standards" to clarify expectations for students
Support for struggling learners: Ask "A student chooses [assessment option] but is struggling with [specific skill like organization or time management]. What scaffolds can I provide without doing the thinking for them?" to maintain rigor while providing support
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