Assessment represents the core of learning attainment. It is considered the most contentious area of education both historically and in contemporary debate. In addition, it is a major educational issue where rapid changes are taking place. It plays a crucial role since it provides teachers and learners with the needed information in which they can apply many decisions. Such decisions can affect pupils’ attitudes and choices in life. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to identify the purpose of assessment and make it beneficial to the pupils. The aim of this paper is to discuss the changing trends and purposes of assessment from the 60s to present day. In this paper, we will try to answer some of the following questions: Why do we need to assess? What are the main purposes of assessment? And how should we assess? In the following paragraphs, we will shed light on the traditional view of assessment together with the new and old trends in this regard; also, we will investigate the changing purposes of assessment in Saudi Arabia. In addition, there will be a brief discussion of the emerging trends in this field as well as mentioning some of the implications for teaching and learning
