What is a Common Assessment?

📌 A common assessment is a test or assignment that multiple teachers create together and give to all their students in the same way[1][2]. Instead of each teacher making their own different tests, all teachers use the same test so that every student gets evaluated fairly, no matter which teacher they have[2]. Think of common assessments like using the same ruler to measure different objects - this way, you can compare the results accurately across different classrooms.

🎯 PURPOSE: These assessments were created because teachers were testing students in different ways, making it hard to compare how well students were learning[2]. When all teachers use the same test, they can better see where students are struggling, figure out which teaching methods work best, and make better decisions about how to teach[2]. This system is fair because it ensures all students are judged by the same standards, regardless of which classroom they're in[3][4].

🤝 IMPLEMENTATION: Groups of teachers work together to create these common assessments by first deciding what important skills and knowledge students should learn, then making tests that measure those things[3][4][5]. After students take the tests, the teachers meet to look at the results together, share teaching ideas, and discuss what worked well[3][6]. This teamwork helps teachers learn from each other and improve their teaching skills.

🧩 CONTEXT: Common assessments are just one type of test that students take, along with regular classroom tests, quick check-ins, and state-required standardized tests[2][3]. While regular classroom tests help individual teachers, common assessments help entire schools or school districts see the bigger picture and make improvements[2]. Schools use them differently depending on their needs, and they're especially popular in elementary and high school systems across the United States[7][8].