It is true we want to use a grading system that is accuarate and fair. We also want to assess what the student has learned. Graded assessments can do this, but they are not perfect. Care is needed to not overlook assessing a student's performance by a grading system that fails to show the teacher what the student has learned. For instance, a written test may assess information the teacher feels is important. But some students may not be able to express their knowledge through written work and therefore, may not appaer to perform well. Having a variety of assessment tools will help assure the teacher that all students are assessed fairly and comprehensively.