What is meant by "alignment" in assessments?

"Alignment" in assessments refers to the degree to which the assessments accurately reflect and match the intended learning goals or objectives. When assessments are well-aligned, they effectively measure what students are expected to learn, ensuring that the evaluation is relevant and meaningful. This alignment helps educators determine whether students are mastering the material and achieving the desired educational outcomes.

Other aspects of assessment, such as grading methods, adherence to specific formats like multiple-choice questions, or the frequency of assessments, do not directly address the core concept of alignment. Instead, these elements might impact the overall effectiveness of an assessment system, but they do not define the relationship between the assessments and the learning goals.