Assessment is defined as an exercise—such as a written or oral test, a portfolio, a performance, or an experiment—that seeks to measure a student's skills or knowledge in a subject area. Assessment is used for a multitude of purposes. Assessment results can be used to help improve teaching and learning and to evaluate programs and schools. Assessment is also used to generate the data on which policy decisions are made. Educational assessment is a vital component in innovation, higher standards and educational excellence.

In order to comply with “Operating Standards for Ohio’s Catholic Schools”, schools in the Diocese of Toledo participate in the following assessments:

1. All schools administer the “Assessment of Catechesis/ Religious Education” (A.C.R.E.) test in grades 5, 8, and 12. This test is published by the National Catholic Education Association.

2. All elementary schools administer the “TerraNova” achievement tests and the “In-View” cognitive ability test in grades 3, 5, and 7. Both are published by CTB/McGraw-Hill.

3. All elementary schools administer the Diocese of Toledo Writing Competency test in grades 4, 6, and 8. These writing samples are developed and scored by a committee of teachers along with personnel from the Catholic Youth and School Services office.

4. For the graduating classes of 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, all high schools in the Diocese of Toledo administer the Ohio 9th Grade Proficiency Tests. Beginning with the graduating class of 2007, high schools will administer the Ohio Graduation Test. Passing these tests is a requirement for high school graduation.

5. Individual schools develop their own ongoing assessment strategies to indicate student progress and to promote learning.