Why are there different types of assessment?

Rational. AIG students vary in talents, strengths, and abilities; therefore, one method should not be used to measure the academic growth of a student. Assessments have a way of acting as a magnifying glass, providing a closer look at the student's situation (Stiggins, 2002).

The various assessments allow for a more accurate or holistic approach that can capture what the student understood and or perhaps suggest the student's academic potential. The creative process of producing multiple assessments helps to inform teachers about themselves of any strong or weak areas of AIG instruction thought of as deficient or complete. For example, as a teacher conjures a question, or creates a written-response question, in the process s/he can reflect on whether or not the material taught has been appropriately covered.