Principle 8: Used in Decision Making

Assessment IS NOT...

only focusing on what.

Assessment IS...

focusing on the what-you-do-with-it.

Evidence about learning outcomes should be seen as an integral part of decision making and avidly sought. It is important for us not to rely on intuition alone but to begin to be systematic in using assessment evidence to direct improvements. This precept stresses the need to carefully consider the impact of policy decisions on student learning and reinforce obligations to focus efforts continually on our common mission of facilitating and improving learning.

What this really means is that we can't afford to spend the time and effort it takes to engage in an effective assessment process unless we connect it to decision making.