MCAS

Assessment is an integral part of daily  instruction. It requires planning specific ways to use assignments and discussions to discover what students do and do not understand. The insights gained by making assessment a regular part of instruction enable edcuators to meet the needs of the students who are eager for more challenges and to provide intervention for those who are struggling.

The following direct and indirect assessment methods are used at the classroom level across all grade levels:

  • Diagnostic assessments--sets of written questions (multiple choice or short answer) that assess a learner's current knowledge base or current views on a topic/issue to be studied in the course.
  • Placement assessments--used to “place” students into a course, course level, or academic program. Placement assessments are administered before a course or program begins, and the basic intent is to match students with appropriate learning experiences that address their distinct learning needs
  • Formative assessments--monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning. Formative assessments: help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas that need work
  • Summative assessments--evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by comparing it against some standard or benchmark.