Diagnostic assessments , also known as pre-assessments or pre-tests, establish students' performance baseline. Taken prior to beginning new units of study, these assessments gauge students' starting points and readiness for learning. Diagnostic assessments can also provide insight into students' interests and preferred routes to learning. Among the many types of diagnostic assessments are quizzes, concept maps, checklists, and journal entries (Lewis & Doorlag, 1987; Tomlinson & McTighe, 2006).