The author, who was a member of the NCTM Standards 2000 Writing Team, uses a single classroom activity to show how assessment provides guidance for the learning journey. In a Standards-based classroom, assessment is an integral part of instruction and is aligned with the curriculum. The teacher collects evidence of the students' knowledge, their ability to use that knowledge, and their disposition toward learning. Student performance is monitored to promote learning, to adjust instruction, and to report progress.
Students evaluate their own learning using criteria specific to the activity.
Working in pairs, the children in Linda Cummings' class are measuring objects in the room using pencils, paper clips, or straws as the measuring devices. While Susan measures the width of a tabletop, Terrence records their activity by drawing a picture of the table and labeling its width. Kyle randomly places the pencil across the top of the table without noting where the end of the pencil was placed previously. Kristen and Kevin use chalk to mark the point where the pencil ended before. Ms. Cummings moves about the room observing students' actions, asking questions, listening to conversations, and making notes.