The Complexities of Assessment
Assessment is an irrefutable component to the experience of teaching and learning in that it allows for quantifiable and tangible evidence towards an individuals understanding and proficiency in their respective area of study. What is contentious however, is the way assessment and grading is structured, designed, and mandated for use, especially as it applies to public schooling. Factors such as this spark diverse discussion and opinion with regards to how assessment can be improved in various ways. Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and Competency-Based Education (CBE) are two focal points of those discussions. While these grading philosophies can differ in their implementation and structure, the core of their usage stems from a need to separate and augment the standard models of which preceded them. The aim is no longer to provide assessment based on the learners ability to complete given work and assign percentile grading of course completion, but to consider specified learning outcome...