A Common Language for Balanced Assessment Systems

Establishing a shared understanding of key terms is foundational to supporting various constituents as they engage in meaningful discussions around assessment system design and implementation. The goal of this resource is to institute a common language related to the goals, characteristics and components of a balanced assessment system.

State education leaders can use this resource as a starting point to establish a shared understanding of assessment systems and associated terminology. Each section provides easy-to-use definitions for different aspects of an assessment system:

1. The first section describes what is meant by assessment and defines a balanced assessment system.
2. The next section provides a discussion of six characteristics of balanced assessment systems.
3. The final section differentiates among and discusses the four categories of assessment (e.g., summative, interim, diagnostic and formative) typically referenced in discussions of assessment systems.