ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how teachers can assess student performance accurately and fairly. In approaching the work of assessing student learning and in approaching the task of writing the chapter, find the following three questions a helpful guide: Where are students going? Where are students now? How can they get to where we want them to go? Tests, papers, and performance exercises are given to assess students' mastery of content. This is not as easy as it appears—just test and grade—because some tests provide poor or even misleading information about student learning. Data can be used on a student-by-student basis by comparing an individual's percentile-based score to a norm group. When assessments are formative, teachers use assessment information to plan instruction and likewise, students can use that information to improve their learning. Teachers and students should be able to identify areas of strength and weakness.
