assessment of students

Testing is part of a larger concept assessment. Assessment data are used to document the competencies that students do or do not have and to clarify and verify the existence of educational problems in the areas of academic funtioning, behavioral and social adaptation, and physical development. Assessment provides data to facilitate decision making. Thirteen kinds of decisions are made using assessment information: decision about provision of special hep or enrichment, referral to an intervention assistance team, provision of intervention assistance, screening, referral to a child study team,exceptionality, documentation of a special or unique learning need, eligibility, instructional planning, setting, progress evaluation, program evaluation, and accountability. Many complex social, political, and ethical issues arise when tests are used to make important decisions about individuals. Assessment is an important activity, and it is critcal that it be done right.