Module 2: Important Characteristics of Assessments

Assessments in schools come in a variety of types and forms and are used for various purposes.  They may involve multiple choice items, constructed responses, and observations of performance, just to name a few.

The results of assessments may be used to:

• plan instruction
• identify strengths and areas of need
• screen students
• monitor progress
• make diagnostic decisions
• make placement decisions
• evaluate programs
• predict success in future learning activities or settings and
• communicate performance to parents, educators and the community

Whatever the type of assessment employed, or however the results are used, all assessments should possess the characteristics of validity, reliability, and usability or practicality (Díaz-Rico & Weed, 2006; Linn & Gronlund, 2000).