• Assessments are different types of tests given to students periodically to help indicate what they have learned and what they still need to learn.  Some types of assessments are state wide and mandated by the South Carolina State Department of Education while other tests are given on a national basis.  Benchmarks are a type of district testing.  It is a very important time during testing windows as it provides an opportunity for students to show how much they have learned, what their gifts and talents are, and how much progress they have made during a school year.  When testing begins, it is important for students to go to bed at a reasonable time so they are well rested and ready for testing the next day; students should also arrive to school on time in order to eat school provided breakfast and to begin testing promptly.