Assessment is the systematic collection, examination and use of information about educational programs undertaken with the aim of improving student learning and development (Palomba and Banta , 1999). Educational evaluations are conducted to measure program effectiveness, teaching quality, and a child's learning progress. The goal is to determine the growth and development of the student. There are several types of assessments carried out during a student's learning. These include placement assessment, formative assessment, and summative assessment. Learners entering the kindergarten classroom often undergo a pre-test or placement assessment to assess what they already know or think about the content to be learned. Formative assessment is generally carried out while an educational sequence is taking place. The summative assessment takes place at the end of a teaching unit. These assessments help the educator understand what students have learned, how much they have learned in their units, and whether or not they need help. Literacy Assessment Assessment is an integral part of teaching. I use mid-year and end-of-year assessment information from the Bloomington Public School website to explain their literacy skills assessment. The objectives and skills outlined in this assessment are aligned with state standards. A sample of their assessment is shown on pages 7 and 8. The Kindergarten Literacy Assessment in the table includes: Prints first name correctly, prints last name correctly, prints upper and lower case letters, names letters uppercase, names lowercase letters, produces letter sounds, identifies the beginning and end of sounds in words, recognition and production ... middle of paper ... kills and improves over time. This gives both the educator and the student an opportunity to succeed. Assessments should be free from cultural, ethnic and gender stereotypes; fair in content and age-appropriate; tap into knowledge and skills that all students have had sufficient time to master. Achievement tests determine the depth of a student's knowledge and mastery in the subject. Fair assessment helps the learner and educator grow and embrace learning. //www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/departments/curriculum/assessments/KindergartenLiteracyandMathrubrics.htmArmstrong, DG, Henson, K. T & Savage, TV (2009), Teaching Today; An Introduction to Education, 8th Edition]. New Jersey: Education Inc..