A test that requires students to answer questions in writing is an essay test. Responses can be brief or extensive. The essay test usually measures knowledge as well as the ability to apply knowledge of a subject to questions about the subject. In Washington State, Essential Academic Learning Requirements define what students should know and be able to do at the completion of their K-12 education. These statements are purposefully broad and are intended to serve as guideposts to school districts and give teachers flexibility in designing curriculum, teaching strategies and plans for instruction.
Evaluation is the process of making judgments based on criteria and evidence.
The product is considered to be more than the sum of its parts and so the quality of a final product or performance is evaluated. Holistic scoring criteria might combine a number of elements on a single scale. Short answer items require students to furnish anything from words to a few sentences. A modification is an alteration of the assessment content or the assessment instrument. Modifications affect the reliability and validity of the assessment.