Principles of Assessment
Effective assessment:
Improves student learning. Assessment is an integral part of the instructional process.
Recognizes learning differences. Students learn differently and at different paces and are assessed in ways that highlight their strengths and allow them to demonstrate mastery and expertise.
Measures what is truly valued. Assessment is based on a vision of the kinds of learning we value most and how students might best achieve these.
Is valid. Assessment tools and processes are aligned to standards and directly measure what they are intended to measure.
Is fair and ethical. Assessment is based on clear statements of purpose, standards and criteria against which success will be measured. Students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
Is non‐discriminatory, culturally appropriate and allows for diversity in learning styles.
Is efficient and feasible. Assessment tasks are clear, appropriate and well structured. They are achievable in a reasonable time frame mainly within the classroom. They are designed to allow teachers to give timely feedback to students.
Promotes learner self‐reliance. There are ample opportunities for students to monitor their learning through self‐assessment, and to be involved in the nature and timing of assessment tasks.
Is authentic and contextual. Assessments encourage students to engage in the thoughtful application of knowledge and skills to real issues and problems.
Purposes of Assessment:
The primary purpose of assessment is to improve student learning by:
giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, experience success and increase self‐reliance by understanding their own progress, setting realistic goals and planning the next stages of their learning.
enabling teachers to: determine degrees of prior knowledge before starting new learning; ascertain degrees of understanding at various stages of the learning process; identify and support learning differences and learning styles and monitor and modify teaching strategies and content.
providing parents with the opportunity to be partners in the learning process and information for them to assist their child in planning for the future, both immediate and long term.
providing teachers and administrators with the data necessary for effective curriculum evaluation and revision.
providing other learning institutions with the data necessary for admissions and grade/year placement
decisions and accurate information on what the child knows and is able to do, including strengths and areas needing support.
promoting student self-reflection
You may view the ASA Assessment Policy here.