What does assessment literacy enable educators to do?

Assessment literacy equips educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize assessments as a tool to enhance both teaching practices and student learning outcomes. This involves understanding various assessment methods, interpreting data effectively, and applying results to inform instructional decisions. Educators who possess assessment literacy can design and implement assessments that provide meaningful information about student progress, ultimately helping to identify areas for improvement and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.

In contrast, focusing solely on traditional testing methods limits the scope of assessment literacy, as it restricts the opportunities for diverse approaches that can cater to varying student needs and learning styles. Ignoring student assessment results undermines the purpose of assessments, which is to inform teaching and drive student growth. Likewise, standardizing the grading process does not align with the principles of assessment literacy, which emphasizes the importance of adapting assessments and grading practices to better reflect student learning and support educational goals.