What are assessment tools?

Assessment tools support the documentation of student learning throughout the assessment process. Effective documentation begins with clarity around the learning outcome. From there, teachers document learning formatively through tools such as self-assessment, peer feedback, checklists, and anecdotal notes.

The purpose of documenting learning at this stage is twofold. First, it helps teachers understand where students are in their learning so they can identify misconceptions and adjust instruction. Second, it helps students understand where they are and where they are going, supporting self-regulation and goal setting.

Documentation during formative assessment is informal and used solely to improve learning. It guides teaching and learning and does not result in formal reporting, such as a report card.

Once students demonstrate mastery, teachers use summative assessment tools to collect evidence of student understanding. There are many ways teachers can document learning at this stage, depending on the learning outcome and context.

Why do assessment tools matter?

Different tools serve different purposes depending on the stage of assessment and the learning being documented. During formative assessment, teachers may use tools such as checklists or anecdotal notes to support learning. For summative assessment, teachers may use rubrics or proficiency scales to communicate where students have demonstrated achievement in relation to a learning outcome.

Using appropriate assessment tools allows teachers to:

• ensure data alignment between formative and summative

• guide future instruction based on student understanding

• support student self-regulation by clarifying where learning is going, where students are, and how to close the gap

• share interim progress with parents

• ensure curriculum alignment and clarity by assessing the intended learning