View from behind of three children sitting in a row in front of their computers.

Understanding Interim & Formative Assessment: Different Exam Formats Explained

Student assessment is a fundamental part of the teaching and learning process. Educators assess students in many ways including using summative, formative, and interim assessments to guide their teaching. Assessments may be utilized to show student growth and achievement, as well as to inform instruction. Increasingly, school districts are relying on interim and formative assessments […]

Three young school kids in casual wear sitting in computer classroom using laptops.

5 Major Pitfalls to Avoid When Implementing Assessment Tech

It’s clear that the integration of technology into assessment processes has become inevitable in today’s rapidly evolving education landscape. Educational institutions and organizations are increasingly adopting assessment technology to streamline evaluations, enhance learning outcomes, and gain insights into student performance. However, while the benefits are substantial, there are significant challenges to navigate when implementing assessment […]

young girl sitting in classroom with her computer next to a young boy and teacher, smiling with her laptop using innovative assessment tools.

The ESSA Innovative Assessment Pilot & the Impact for Schools

In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in the United States as a replacement for No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The purpose of the ESSA is stated as follows: “to provide all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps.” […]

Female educator sitting in an office reviewing data reports measuring student performance on an assessment as learning task.

Connecting the Dots Between Learning & Assessment Through Test Item Metadata

For educators, connecting assessment to learning is a vital part of ensuring that students are motivated and engaged in learning, and that they have a clear understanding of what they need to know. When assessments align with learning objectives, they provide valuable feedback that informs instructional design and allows for personalized learning. All of this […]

young man using computer for a critical thinking assessment.

Assessing Critical Thinking Skills for 21st-Century Learning

Critical thinking skills are some of the most highly sought-after skills in the business world and with good reason. Individuals with critical thinking skills can take in data and information and analyze it quickly to make informed decisions on the spot. Critical thinkers are also excellent problem solvers who may come up with innovative and […]

What Are Outcomes-based Assessments (and how can you implement them)?

Developing high-quality assessments that measure intended learning outcomes is an important but challenging part of the learning process. Educators may utilize formative and summative assessments throughout the learning process to help gauge what students know and can do. For educators, it is important to balance assessment types and continually use assessments for learning to determine […]

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