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"Assessments can only be considered valid if they actually measure the knowledge and skills they are meant to assess." (Petty, 2014)

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Summative Assessment, or Assessment of Learning, focuses on the outcome of the learning – the finished product. It typically takes place at the end of a module, semester, or school year. Methods of summative assessment vary from tests/projects/presentations to continuous assessment. . On the surface, summative assessment tends to take precedence in schools. With much focus being on state examinations, it would be easy to assume that the final product is all that matters. However, to get students to a satisfactory stage of completion formative assessment is also key.

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Visual art units of learning consist of many stages, and the process is just as important as the end result. For this reason it is essential that weighting is carefully considered and proportionate to the amount of work done. The summative criteria for each unit is supported by student friendly rubrics and self-assessment processes during the formative stages. In order for students to reach success criteria, they must have a clear and concise idea of what is expected and a plan on how to reach those expectations. The teachers role here is one of facilitator and coach. Below are samples of rubrics taken from Units of Learning outlining what will be assessed throughout the unit and what is expected from each stage.