The ability to create authentic formative and summative assessment experiences based on
standards is necessary if the teacher wants to generate and use data. The data is used to gauge
student understanding that will, in turn, guide a teachers instructional decisions. (Darling-
Hammond, 2006). Us ing assessment data will enable the teacher candidate to reflect on the
students' command of content and process, monitor student progress in developing conceptual
understanding, and plan how to proceed. The teacher preparation program is the vehicle
through which the teacher candidate gains a knowledge base of content and engages in
pedagogical experiences that will serve them well once they transition to a teacher in-service.
Being immersed in a program that supports gaining knowledge of assessment design and
implementation is essential to candidates becoming more effective practitioners of science
teaching.