Assessment is a tool used daily in the classroom. It is used to measure a student's mastery of a skill or knowledge of a given subject. It is also what demonstrates to the teacher what the students have learned. Teachers use this information to determine whether to reteach a specific student, a group, or the entire class. They can also use this information to determine the pace of their teaching. Assessments are important because as teachers we need to know what challenges our students are having and what needs to be refined for them. Although I believe in assessment and consider it one of the key elements of teaching, I am more concerned with the process of a child's learning than the overall product that results. This is where grades come into play for me. Grades determine students’ level of mastery on a topic, nothing more. Grades should not be the sole indicator that a student has learned the information presented to them. It's the things a student learns along the way that really matter and sometimes can't be measured. Before teaching a unit, I think it is helpful to incorporate surveys and diagnostic assessments to determine what your students understand before teaching. Observation, combined with anecdotal data. records, is essential, especially in the first years of study. By observing and keeping track of these observations, teachers can tell a lot about their students. For example, they can see how they interact socially with other peers as well as how well they complete a given task. I am inclined to become an elementary school teacher, grades K-3. The early years of school are my ideal age range. Early childhood is the time when children develop the most. They develop...... middle of paper ...... appropriately is crucial to the pursuit of effective teaching. My goal is to make assessment and grading a positive element in my classroom, both for my students and for me. I want to provide ample opportunities for my students to succeed and achieve mastery as well as become the best student they can be. Students should not be measured solely by the end result. Learning is a process and I believe it is in this process that true learning occurs. In addition to being graded on basic facts, students should be measured on how well they apply their knowledge. Assessment will occupy an important place in my class; however, I will place more importance on a student's performance and progress rather than a factual test. Ultimately, these students will need the skills learned during their early years. A multiple choice question is not what will help them in the long run