Assessment in a systematic instructional-design context refers to the evaluation
of student learning by test or other performance measure to determine
the extent to which the instructional objectives are attained (Morrison et al.,
2004; Dick & Reiser, 1989). Assessment results are often used to judge the
effectiveness of instruction and of the schools themselves, to inform and
improve teaching practices, and to provide students with feedback regarding
their learning. Assessment continues to receive strong emphasis as an indicator
of student achievement at the national and state levels (Cable News
Network, 2003; United States Department of Education, 2001).