The purpose of assessment is multifaceted and central to the educational process. Primarily, assessment serves to diagnose, monitor, and guide student learning, helping educators make informed decisions about curriculum and instruction

. It determines whether educational goals are being met and influences decisions related to grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, and curriculum adjustments

. Assessment is not just about measuring what students do not know but increasingly focuses on providing opportunities for students to demonstrate what they do know and can do, supporting growth and improvement rather than sorting or labeling students

. It provides feedback that helps students understand their current progress, where they need to go, and what steps to take next, which is critical for learning and development

. There are several key purposes of assessment:

• Driving Instruction and Learning: Assessments inform teachers about students' prior knowledge and ongoing progress, allowing them to tailor instruction to meet diverse needs and help students bridge gaps in understanding

• Supporting Student Growth: Formative assessments provide timely feedback that supports student learning during the instructional process, promoting continuous improvement

• Evaluating Effectiveness: Assessment results help educators evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching methods and curriculum, guiding necessary adjustments to improve educational outcomes

• Reporting and Accountability: Assessment data are used for reporting student achievement to stakeholders and can influence policy, funding, and program evaluation decisions

• Motivating and Empowering Learners: Meaningful assessments can motivate students by making them active participants in their learning journey and helping them become agents of their own progress

In summary, the purpose of assessment is to support and enhance student learning by providing valuable information for instruction, feedback for growth, evaluation of educational effectiveness, and accountability to stakeholders. It is a tool to guide both teaching and learning in a balanced and equitable manner