An Introduction to Assessment is for all who work in education, including those on Education Studies programmes, those in initial teacher training, and practising teachers keen to update their knowledge. This book covers: definitions of educational assessment and the part it plays in relation to individuals, institutions and society; historical and sociological perspectives; the impact of educational assessment internationally and how this needs to change in the light of globalisation and changing employment needs; the advent of assessment as a policy tool with league tables and targets underpinning the overwhelming impact of accountability requirements; teacher appraisal and institutional self-evaluation, as well as international indicators; assessment for learning; and, new ideas concerning how assessment could be developed in the light of the advent of novel information technologies. In addressing these things, the author shows that assessment truly is a defining feature of contemporary education, and takes her overview to the cutting edge of thinking in this field with coverage of the scope of e-assessment, and assessment for learning as critically important ways forward. Written in an accessible and engaging style, An Introduction for Assessment is for all those who are seeking a non-technical introduction, yet one that is delivered by a leading academic in the field and offers a fresh look at educational assessment today.