How does assessment differ from evaluation?

The distinction between assessment and evaluation lies primarily in their purposes and processes. Assessment is fundamentally about gathering information about student learning, skills, and behaviors. It encompasses a range of methods and techniques aimed at collecting data to understand a student's progress, strengths, and areas needing improvement. This process is ongoing and can include tests, observations, and other forms of measuring student performance.

On the other hand, evaluation is concerned with making judgments about the quality of student work or performance based on the information gathered through assessment. It involves interpreting the data from assessments and determining the level of achievement, often leading to decisions about grades, placement, or instructional strategies.

Understanding this difference is crucial for educators, especially in special education contexts, where tailored support and interventions are critical for student success. By recognizing that assessment is focused on gathering data and evaluation is about making informed judgments, teachers can better support their students' learning journeys.