Educational evaluation is essential because it allows teachers, schools, and systems to understand whether learning experiences are actually working—and for whom. Without evaluation, educators rely on assumptions rather than evidence. Effective evaluation helps identify strengths, gaps, and areas for growth, leading to more equitable, responsive, and meaningful learning experiences. To evaluate most effectively, educators must use multiple sources of data (tests, observations, student work, interviews, performance tasks), consider students’ diverse needs and contexts, and interpret results with fairness and reflection. Effective evaluation also requires continuous, collaborative review—where findings are used not to label students, but to improve instruction, curriculum, and overall educational practice.