What is one key aspect of assessment in education?

Gathering information about student performance is a fundamental key aspect of assessment in education because it allows educators to understand how well students are learning the material and meeting curriculum standards. This process involves a variety of methods such as tests, quizzes, projects, and observations, which collectively provide a comprehensive picture of a student's academic progress and areas needing improvement.

Effective assessment informs instructional decisions, helps identify students who may need additional support, and provides insights for curriculum development. It serves the purpose of not only measuring outcomes but also guiding teaching methods and improving the overall learning experience for students.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific elements or approaches that don't capture the holistic and continuous nature of assessment in education. Standardizing tests, for instance, can be beneficial for comparison but doesn't encompass all the various forms of assessment. Providing immediate grades can inform students quickly but may lack depth without context. Focusing solely on behavioral observations ignores other critical academic indicators of student performance. Overall, gathering information about student performance supports comprehensive and individualized approaches to teaching and learning.