2.1 Assessments of Learning

Assessments of Learning aim to assess what students have learned and know their proficiency levels

Assessments of Learning have played a critical role in education

• In 2022, the Nation’s Report Card shows that “test scores are at their lowest level in decades, with steep declines in both reading and math proficiency in nearly every state.”

• Based on NPR news, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona called the results “appalling and unacceptable” in a call with reporters. “This is a moment of truth for education,” he said. “How we respond to this will determine not only our recovery, but our nation’s standing in the world.”

Assessments of Learning are related to all students

• The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA),which was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, requires students to take state tests in reading and math every year in third through eighth grade and once in high school

• Other examples: End-of-course exams, SAT, GRE

Characteristics of Assessments of Learning

• Given to help determine a certain level of competency after completing a particular phase of education

• Due to frequency of administration, and lag in score reporting, they cannot be used to make decisions about current teaching and learning

• Determining student’s admission and graduation

• Measuring student’s overall proficiency in a particular subject