Assessment refers to the process through which educators and other stakeholders monitor student progress. When used effectively, assessment results inform the interventions that teachers, administrators, policymakers, and other stakeholders can employ to address challenges with student learning. Assessment takes place through high-profile state-administered summative assessments that drive accountability decisions, in the daily interactions between students and teachers in classrooms, and at levels in between that vary in frequency, purpose, and audience.
The California Collaborative on District Reform often explores challenges and opportunities associated with assessment practice, from examining classroom strategies to providing evidence-based feedback and recommendations on state assessment policies and systems. In particular, the Collaborative has highlighted the role that assessment plays in effective instructional practice and as a fundamental component of Common Core State Standards implementation.