It is a task that involves teachers, parents, school, and system administrators. Evaluation tells educators the strengths and weaknesses of the program in order that adjustments and adaptations can be made. In addition, teachers grow professionally when they reflect on their own teaching and when they keep informed of current instructional strategies and evaluation methods they may use in their programs. Finally, education is a public undertaking and in addition to being accountable to students, the school system is accountable to parents and taxpayers. Given that the most important function of evaluation is the promotion of learning, the following principles should be reflected in the evaluation of students.
Evaluation reflects the stated learning objectives and is integrated with instruction.
The assessment instruments, the grading, and the reporting to students and parents should mirror this principle. Evaluation must be part of the planning process rather than an after-thought. In this curriculum, assessment instruments have been embedded in the discussion of instructional strategies to demonstrate the close relationship between instruction and evaluation. Instruments teachers use must be appropriate and complementary to the strategies used and to the objectives being developed. Evaluation is continuous and useful.