Assessment (Acedera) is a Latin
word that means to sit with. NCEA’s view of assessment
is predicated on this definition and on the fact that assessment
is data collected over time, systematically, in order to construct
meaning and to facilitate ongoing improvement. Assessment informs
decisions. Evaluation is the action taken as a result of analyzing
the data.
In order to assess student
learning a teacher must have a strong background in cognitive
psychology and learning theory and conventions. NCEA does
not assume that all educators are experts in the various aspects
of assessment. Training in this area is an integral part of
the assessment focus.
NCEA’s assessment items
facilitate the creation of a common direction in the classroom,
in the school, in the school district and the entire educational
system. Our lack of consensus on skill development vs. rounded
liberal arts education and similar persisting debates are
rendered unnecessary when NCEA’s assessments are utilized
on a regular basis.
Parents can use NCEA's assessment
bank items to ensure that students are meeting the state and
provincial standards and expectations. They will have more
time to focus on the intangibles of preparing students for
learning, for schooling and for life's journey rather than
spending time on test preparation, marking and anaylsis. Parents
will be able to dedicate more time and attention to the foundations
of learning such as character traits including positive attitude,
positive behavior and cooperation.
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