Educational Assessment Terms

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Formative Evaluation

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Information and data gathered to improve, modify, or revise a program, curriculum, or unit of instruction to enhance student learning.

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Rubric

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A teacher-constructed list of characteristics used as criteria for ranking the quality of students' work, often including a numerical range or scale.

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Median

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The middle number in a set, dividing the group into two equal parts: the 50th percentile.

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Portfolio Assessment

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A collection and evaluation of student products and performances selected for inclusion based on agreed-upon criteria, illustrating a range of abilities and growth.

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Evaluation

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Process of gathering and using qualitative and quantitative data to make a judgment of value, worth, merit, or effectiveness.

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Reliability

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The extent to which scores, tests, programs, or assessments are accurate, dependable, stable, consistent, and free from error over time.

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Correlation

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A relationship, correspondence, or connection between two things, not implying cause-and-effect.

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Range

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The difference between the highest and lowest scores plus 1.

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Criterion-referenced

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An assessment that measures progress toward mastery of a given set of objectives, outcomes, or skills, emphasizing performance relative to an absolute standard.

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Grade Equivalent

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An average score at a given grade level, relating a student’s raw score to the average scores obtained by norming groups at different grade levels.