What characterizes curriculum-based assessment?

Curriculum-based assessment is characterized by the use of test items that are unique to the curriculum being taught. This form of assessment is designed to measure students' understanding and mastery of the material as it relates to what they are learning in their specific educational context. By directly aligning assessment tasks with the curriculum, educators can effectively evaluate how well students are grasping the concepts and skills that are part of their daily learning experience.

Employing test items that are unique to the curriculum allows for a more relevant assessment, reflecting the instruction that has taken place and enabling teachers to identify areas where students may need additional support or enrichment. This targeted approach ensures that assessments are directly linked to the educational content, making the results more meaningful for both instruction and learning outcomes.

In contrast, assessments that rely on standardized items may not capture the specific nuances of the curriculum being taught and may not provide information that is as applicable to individual student learning needs.