When assessment is an integral part of mathematics instruction, it contributes significantly to all students' mathematics learning. When assessment is discussed in connection with standards, the focus is sometimes on using tests to certify students' attainment, but there are other important purposes of assessment. Assessment should enhance students' learning. The assertion that assessment should enhance students' learning may be surprising. Research indicates that making assessment an integral part of classroom practice is associated with improved student learning.
Good assessment can enhance students' learning in several ways.
First, the tasks used in an assessment can convey a message to students about what kinds of mathematical knowledge and performance are valued. Thus, it is important that assessment tasks be worthy of students' time and attention. When teachers use assessment techniques such as observations, conversations and interviews with students, or interactive journals, students are likely to learn through the process of articulating their ideas and answering the teacher's questions. Feedback from assessment tasks can also help students in setting goals, assuming responsibility for their own learning, and becoming more independent learners. For example, scoring guides, or rubrics, can help teachers analyze and describe students' responses to complex tasks and determine students' levels of proficiency.