Why Assess?

Process: Some answers to our question, "Why assess?"

To find out:

• if instruction was effective,
• if students need more instruction,
• if students are ready for the next step,
• If a different approach is required, and
• how instruction can be improved the next time this lesson is taught.

Teachers need to:

• provide diagnostic and formative feedback to learners,
• gather information for reporting purposes (grades),
• identify the appropriate level for a new student (placement),
• determine whether or not a student meets program requirements (certification), and
• motivate learners to study and make steady progress.

Learners need to:

• know what is expected of them,
• know what they can do to improve their performance,
• understand what will comprise their course grade, and
• perceive evaluation as fair and meaningful.