Assessment for learning
Assessment for learning is about developing teachers’ and learners’ ability to design and use assessment for its core purpose – to support further learning. This involves gathering, analysing, interpreting, and using information in focused and timely ways that provide evidence of learner progress.

New Zealand schools design assessment in their classrooms so that teaching and learning is meaningful and meets the needs of their students.
Assessment Online, TKI
Ākonga and their whānau take an active part in conversations
The practice of assessment for learning works best when ākonga and their whānau take an active part in conversations about each learner’s strengths and their progress, talking about:
- what is being learned
- how the learning connects to the learner’s life
- the next steps in their learning
- how learners, whānau, and teachers can together construct meaningful learning pathways and support their use.
The assessment information is used to celebrate learners’ progress and their strengths, to plan their next learning opportunities, to adjust strategies according to their needs, and to identify any needs for additional support sooner rather than later.
Enhancing the way assessment is used in the classroom promotes learning and wellbeing, raising learners’ levels of progress and achievement, and also informs local curriculum design.
Explore these resources as you plan assessment for learning.

Ministry of Education resources
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Health and PE in the New Zealand Curriculum , opens in a new window
The New Zealand Curriculum Online: Achievement objectives for health and physical education.
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Health and Physical Education Learning Progressions , opens in a new window
The health and physical education learning progressions.
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Education Counts , opens in a new window
Assessing student swimming and aquatic skills.