Striving for success: assessing the opportunities Available to Purchase

This article discusses three important aspects of assessment within schools, namely, planning, testing and policy development. From the outset, emphasis is placed on the importance of planning for teaching and learning. It is argued that the development of assessment strategies at this stage is significant in terms of establishing clear learning outcomes for lessons taught. Some of the more widely used tests are also discussed in terms of how they might assist teachers to identify specific difficulties children may have with learning. The final section considers policy development in schools and suggests a possible framework for action. Throughout the article reference is made to recent research which supports the development of formative assessment strategies in the classroom context. It is concluded that planned assessment strategies have the potential for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning within the classroom.