What is the purpose of standards-based assessment?

The purpose of standards-based assessment is fundamentally to evaluate student progress against established educational benchmarks. These benchmarks are specific learning goals that define what students should know and be able to do at various stages of their education. By utilizing these assessments, educators can measure how well students are mastering the curriculum and achieving the intended learning outcomes. This approach promotes accountability, providing teachers and schools with the information they need to address learning gaps and tailor instruction to meet the needs of all students.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core intent of standards-based assessment. Increasing student enrollment in courses does not reflect the assessment’s purpose, which is focused on measuring understanding rather than attracting more students. Similarly, determining teachers' salaries is a function of administrative policies and performance evaluations rather than a direct outcome of student assessments. Lastly, while ranking students might be a consequence of assessments, standards-based assessments emphasize individual progress toward specific learning targets instead of competition among students.