Major Purposes of Assessment

(Source: Alaska Statewide Assessment Advisory Committee, 1995)

• To help teachers understand student mastery of concepts, skills, and attitudes, diagnose assistance where needed, and alter instruction;
• To show individual student growth and progress over time;
• To report to parents about students' progress and achievements;
• To compare student achievement with other same-age students nationally and statewide;
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum/school program; and
• To communicate to the public what we value in education.