Assessment in Primary Schools

Assessment is “the process of gathering, recording, interpreting, using, and reporting information about a child’s progress and achievement in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes” (NCCA, 2007 page 7)

Assessment in the Primary School Curriculum: Guidelines for Schools (2007) describes a variety of assessment methods for gathering information about children’s learning and assists schools in developing and implementing an assessment policy.

Assessment is integral to all aspects of teaching and learning. It concerns daily interactions between teacher and child that include moment-by-moment conversations, observations and actions. By using a combination of methods over time, the teacher gathers evidence of children’s progress and achievement. Based on this evidence, he/she can make important decisions about the teaching and learning process and plan how future learning can be supported most effectively.