Evaluations aim to measure knowledge, skills and attitudes towards school work or a specific program so the school can improve based on these exams. According to the Association of American Colleges & Universities, through evaluations, school campuses discover which courses and programs accomplish intended outcomes, such as proficiency in a foreign language.
Evaluations performed by standardized tests such as the AP exam and SAT I and II provide the college board with research topics. For example, when the college board receives and processes student test scores, they use the data for validity studies or plan instruction and specific curricula to achieve test goals and student accomplishments.
Educational evaluations, such as standardized tests, let educators and school directors know areas that need more work. Evaluation scores help programs develop more concentration, or better instruction, in that area. For instance, if students at an elementary school all fall before the 50th percentile on standard math questions, the school can improve the math program by hiring stronger teachers, switching textbooks or by introducing new learning methods.
Educational evaluations also document a student's progress in a subject. Teachers and school directors do not have to use the evaluation results to change the coursework or teaching methods. In this case, evaluations serve as benchmarks, showing where students are in the learning process, a mark they can check in on later in the year.