A baseline assessment is a means of collecting information about a childs development or attainment at a particular point in time. It is not a high-stakes test with a focus on the score at the end of it, but rather a way to understand a students starting point. Baseline assessments provide teachers with an objective measure of a students aptitudes and skills at a single moment in time. They are usually conducted very early in the school year and can help teachers understand what each student needs, the challenges ahead, and where resources may need to be focused. Baseline assessments can take many different forms, including questionnaires or medical tests. They are used to identify a students learning needs, natural ability, and potential. Baseline information builds a database against which to monitor and assess a programs feasibility, progress, and effectiveness. It can also help to uncover additional learning needs or identify highly able students so that teachers can ensure each individual in their class is challenged appropriately.