Both standardized testing and alternative assessment strategies are designed to assess student learning, but the purposes behind these two types of assessment frequently differ. On the other hand, alternative assessment strategies are more frequently used to provide information about individual students. Beyond understanding the basic purposes of each type of assessment, teachers need to take into account two other important considerations. The first consideration is a question of values. Assessment, whether reflected in a standardized test score or in a teacher-written description of a student performance, is based in subjective human value.
People have different values.
These differing values often lead to different evaluation criteria, which ultimately result in different final assessments. The second consideration is the underlying reference model. Lack of understanding of which model is being used in interpreting student achievement often confuses the debate over the merits of various assessment strategies. Each of these considerations is pertinent for both standardized test scores and the interpretation of alternative assessments. What Standardized Test Scores Can Tell Us Standardized test scores properly obtained through a valid and reliable instrument and used appropriately can offer a wealth of information.