The following sections provide information and ideas on benchmark assessments. The first section contains information about benchmark assessments, including what they are and their role in a comprehensive assessment system. The remaining tabs address benchmark assessment purpose, how to select and use appropriate benchmark assessments, and how to determine and develop organizational skills for effective benchmark assessment use.

As educational leaders consider adding benchmark assessments to an already assessment-heavy calendar, it is important to establish clear understandings of the purpose and process for their use. Policymakers should consider the following questions before adopting or developing benchmark assessments:

What purposes do you expect benchmark assessments to serve?
What criteria should you use to select or create benchmark assessments?
What capacities are needed to support use of benchmark assessments in your organization?

Responses to these questions can be found by clicking on the yellow tabs above. Look for the “References” link under the “Benchmark Assessment” category on the menu bar to your left if you would like further information on the purpose and use of benchmark assessment.