What should a school leader consider first when evaluating classroom assessments?

When evaluating classroom assessments, the primary consideration should be the alignment of those assessments with curriculum goals. This is crucial because assessments are meant to measure how well students are grasping the material that is intended to be taught. If the assessments are not aligned with the curriculum goals, then the evaluation of student learning may not accurately reflect their understanding or skills related to what the curriculum has outlined.

When assessments are aligned with curriculum goals, they provide a clear indication of whether students are meeting the intended learning outcomes. This alignment ensures that the assessments not only test knowledge but also assess the specific skills and concepts that educators aim to impart through the curriculum. Ultimately, this alignment supports data-driven decision-making and allows for more effective instructional practices as educators can identify areas where students may need further support or enrichment.

While the subjects being tested, the format of the assessments, and the grading criteria used are all important factors, they become secondary to the necessity of ensuring that the assessments accurately reflect the learning objectives established by the curriculum. Therefore, assessing the alignment is the foundational step in evaluating the overall effectiveness and validity of classroom assessments.