Why must assessments align with state educational standards?

Assessments must align with state educational standards to ensure that evaluations are focused on the necessary content and skills that students are expected to learn. Alignment with these standards ensures that assessments accurately measure what students should be mastering at each grade level and are relevant to the curriculum being taught. This is critical not just for individual students' educational growth, but also for evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practices and educational programs across different schools and districts. By adhering to state standards, assessments provide meaningful data that can inform instruction, support student learning, and guide educational interventions. Ensuring that students are assessed on the appropriate content helps maintain educational quality and rigor, ultimately benefiting student achievement.