ABSTRACT
Schools committed to continuous school improvement use multiple and ongoing measures of data to understand what students know as a result of instruction, what teachers are teaching, and which students need extra help and on what. These schools use student learning measures to provide valuable information for adjusting instruction to meet the needs of every student. Student learning data show if schools are meeting the needs of every student and uncover strengths in learning and areas for improvement. The most important part of assessment is the interpretation and use of the information that is gleaned for its intended purpose. Assessment is embedded in the learning process. Comparing results on different measures gives teachers insight into what teaching strategies, as well as testing strategies, work best with different students. Student learning data come from screening assessments, diagnostic assessments, classroom assessments, classroom assignments and activities, formative assessments, state/ provincial assessments, performance and standards assessments, and grades.
