The terms assessment, testing and evaluation are frequently used interchangeably. However, these terms have different meanings. Assessment is the umbrella term used to describe the process of collecting information and then synthesizing the information to help understand and describe.
Evaluation relates to the process of making judgment on quality, value or worth based on criteria.
Authentic Assessment seeks to collect information and synthesize that information on a student's ability to understand and apply knowledge and process skills in real world situations. The purpose of these assessments is to promote learning not merely measure it. Authentic assessments use multiple sources of information and provide fair, valid and reliable information.