Standardized testing is a common form of assessment, made mandatory under No Child Left Behind legislation. Standardized testing evaluates all students based on identical subject matter, questions and grading criteria. One of the major benefits of standardized testing is its objectivity. Because students are all tested in an identical matter, the results are generally free of any subjective bias on the part of the scorer. Additionally, standardized tests can be cheaper and less time-consuming in terms of scoring than various methods of alternative assessments.
An interview is an assessment method involving a student orally discussing her knowledge of a subject with one or more educators. The dialogue allows educators to ask students to elaborate on certain answers and observe the student's level of comfort and confidence discussing a topic. An advantage of interviews is that they can provide a much more in-depth evaluation of a student.
Essays, like interviews, can help educators gain a deeper appreciation of the student's level of understanding of a particular topic by having the student elaborate in a written form. Essays allow students to take a position on a particular issue and justify it using the theories and principles of the relevant subject.
Having students present or demonstrate material to the class is another method of evaluation. Demonstrations not only provide material to evaluate but also give other students further education in the particular subject as the audience for the demonstration.
Self-evaluation is a somewhat controversial method of assessment in many educational settings. Depending on weight attached to the self-evaluation, incentive for students to give themselves an artificially positive assessment may skew results. Nevertheless, self-evaluations can be beneficial as a smaller component of a larger assessment scheme, helping the students take a more substantial role in their own education.
Student portfolios are a type of assessment tool often used for home-schooled children. A student portfolio is a body of the student's work over a long period of time that can be used to evaluate his current level of academic ability as well as his progress over time.
An IEP is an individualized assessment tool used for students with learning disabilities. A plan is made on a case-by-case basis taking into account the unique needs of the particular student. The student is assessed on progress made toward goals that are set based on her initial level of ability.