Assessment is evaluating student learning through various methods to measure knowledge, skills, and competencies. It serves as a tool to gauge both student progress and instructional effectiveness. Black & Wiliam (2018) and Guskey (2020) suggest that effective assessment informs teaching strategies, provides feedback, and enhances learning outcomes.

Lesson objectives should align with curriculum standards and learning goals. Educators determine objectives by identifying key concepts and skills students must master. Bloom’s Taxonomy helps set objectives ranging from basic recall to higher-order thinking skills. Anderson & Krathwohl (2001) explain that objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Researchers suggest that combining formative and summative assessments will provide a more complete picture of student learning. Ensuring assessments are varied, equitable, and growth-focused will help align with instructional goals and support student success.

Effort grades assess a student’s work ethic, participation, and persistence rather than academic performance. While they can promote motivation and acknowledge hard work, they may also lead to inflated grades. Brookhart (2013) states that a balanced approach, combining effort with demonstrated achievement, maintains fairness and encourages student responsibility.

Student self-assessment allows learners to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and progress. It should be guided through rubrics, reflection prompts, and teacher feedback. Students can actively participate in developing assessments by setting criteria, crafting questions, or designing projects. Boud & Falchikov (2007) propose that this engagement fosters metacognition, accountability, and deeper learning.

Student Growth Portfolios are collections of a student's work over time that demonstrate learning progress, skill development, and academic achievement. They include various types of student work—such as essays, projects, assessments, reflections, and teacher feedback—to provide a comprehensive picture of a student’s growth rather than a single test score.

Figures, such as graphs, charts, tables, and diagrams, play a critical role in student assessment by enhancing clarity, supporting data interpretation, and improving engagement. They serve as visual representations of information that help students, educators, and stakeholders better understand learning progress and assessment results.

Beyond traditional assessments, educators should consider:

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