What does curriculum-based assessment aim to achieve?

Curriculum-based assessment focuses specifically on evaluating students' understanding and mastery of the content that is directly aligned with the curriculum they are learning. This approach emphasizes gathering data related to the skills and knowledge that are intended to be taught in specific educational settings. By directly measuring students’ performance in learning-targeted content, educators can identify strengths and weaknesses, tailor instruction to meet individual needs, and implement interventions that promote educational growth.

This method differs from standardized testing, which aims for a broader assessment across various subjects but does not necessarily align with the specific curriculum standards of a particular classroom. It also does not evaluate teacher performance or compare different schools, as those assessments serve entirely different objectives and contexts. The focus of curriculum-based assessment is fundamentally about understanding and improving student learning outcomes, making it a vital tool in the educational process.