Continuous assessment allows teachers to determine individual student needs and to adjust instruction as appropriate. Evaluation expectations need to be communicated clearly from the beginning. Students and parents have the right to know the objectives of the program, the means of assessment, and the criteria to be met. Where possible, evaluation expectations should be developed in consultation with students. Teachers also must maintain communication with parents concerning student progress.
Evaluation needs to be fair and equitable.
Evaluation should be sensitive to cultural, linguistic, and community situations as well as to individual student needs and learning styles. Where possible, students should be provided with a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning. Students want to know where they stand and yet each responds differently to evaluation. Whereas some students will regard a critical comment as a challenge that spurs them on to better work, others resent criticism. As much as possible, these considerations need to be balanced against maintaining common, appropriate standards.