Assessment, when done properly, is extremely useful and allows educators to gain insight and data on students. If assessments are given and data is not being used to drive decisions then the assessment is worthless. I always design my assessments first and then work backwards. This concept is called backward mapping. After designing and creating assessments, I ensure my instruction and daily activities are building up to meet and cover all aspects of the final assessment. If I want my students to include accurate historical graphics and content in the assessment, I need to make sure I am giving students this material in class during instructional time. Also, if I am asking students to answer questions from a rubric to include in a presentation, I will need to make sure that I covered that specific material in some detail during the course of class time. After the assessment is taken or created, I will analyze it and collect the necessary data points so that I can craft and mold future assignments. IOnce again, if you are giving an assessment, make sure you are collecting data and making decisions based on the data.