A Balanced Approach to Assessment in Today's Classroom
What is assessment? To me, assessment is more than just testing; it is an ongoing process of gathering evidence to understand where students are in their learning and how to move them forward. It includes both formal and informal measures that guide instruction and support student growth. When determining lesson objectives, I start with clear standards and learning goals, then design assessments that align directly with those outcomes. Backward design, as emphasized by Wiggins and McTighe (2005), ensures that instruction and assessment are purposeful and meaningful. As a 4th-grade resource (SPED) teacher, I often begin by breaking standards into smaller, manageable objectives for my students. I’ve had students who felt overwhelmed by grade-level expectations, but when objectives were clearly defined and aligned with assessments, they were able to build confidence and show measurable growth. Which Type of Assessment is Best? In my view, no single type of assessment is “best.” ...