Academic Achievement Assessment vs. Classroom Assessment

Tests used in Special Education Assessment to measure academic achievement are quite different than classroom based assessment in several ways. The main differences between the academic achievement tests such as the Woodcock Johnson III or Wechsler Individual Achievement Test and classroom based assessment are the intended purpose of the test, the way it is administered, and the scores obtained.

The Purpose of a classroom assessment is to measure students learning of what is being taught in the classroom. Classroom assessments could be quizzes, chapter tests, midterms, or final exams. These tests are aligned with information learned in class.

Academic Achievement tests used in Special Education Assessment are standardized to determine how a student performs compared to other students the same age or grade nationally. The purpose is to determine if the student's performance is adequate or significantly below age/grade expectations. The tests measure basic skills rather than specific skills. For example, a task measuring spelling on a standardized academic achievement test, measures the general skill of spelling. A spelling test in class measures the ability to spell specific words that they have been practicing.

Another difference is the way in which the tests are administered. Classroom assessments are typically given to the entire class. They way in which it is administered is up to the classroom teacher or administrator. The teacher can offer accommodations if necessary, read tests aloud, or allow calculators.

Academic achievement assessments are standardized and the examiner must follow specific instructions and may not deviate in any way. The tests are administered one on one. No accommodations, extra help, or extra explanations of any item are allowed. Some tasks may be timed and there is no flexibility in those time limits. Some may feel that it is not fair to not allow accommodations. However, one must understand that the purpose is to see what a student can do without accommodations. It is a way to prove that accommodations are necessary in the classroom and determine if special education is needed.

Scores in classroom assessment follow the school's grading scale. Your score is based on how many you answer correctly. Answer all of the questions correctly, you get 100%. The score obtained represents how many items were correct.


Scores in academic achievement tests are norm referenced, meaning the scores represent the comparison to the average range. The number of answers correct (raw score) will be compared to performance of the students the same age that were administered this assessment during standardization. A score of 100 is average. It does not mean that one got every item correct, only that the performance is average compared to others the same age.