The reasons for evaluating students include motivating students, providing feedback to students and teachers, informing parents, and making selection decisions.
Four types of evaluation are placement, diagnostic, formative, and summative.
Sources of information for evaluation in addition to tests and quizzes include classroom discussion and activity, homework, notebooks, reports, research papers, and peer evaluations.
Grades are based on absolute or relative scales. Alternative grading practices include contracts, mastery grading, and grades for effort and progress.
Portfolios provide another vehicle for showing what students have learned and how they are progressing.
The conventional report card emphasizes basic subject areas and uses letters to designate grades; more contemporary methods of reporting include mastery and progress reports, statements about progress, and performance assessments.
The cumulative record is a legal document that includes important data about the student's performance and behavior in school; it follows the student throughout his or her school career.
Communication with parents takes place in the form of report cards, conferences, and letters.
Accountability systems are now in place for teachers.
