Assessment is important because it guides instructional decision-making. Assessment allows an instructor to determine whether students have met a given learning target. Assessment should take place during every lesson, so plans and instruction can be adjusted based on assessment outcomes.
I always informally assess students throughout every lesson I teach. Informal assessments, such as simple questions to check and re-check understanding are useful during instruction. Formal assessments inform both teachers and students of their level of student achievement. When I create formal assessments, such as tests and quizzes, I create a table of specifications to guide me in aligning my objectives and assessment items. I then use the results to plan for instruction that will better meet my students’ needs.
