Because not all approaches to evaluating the achievement of elementary school students evaluate the same facets of development, a variety of evaluation devices must be used to assess learners intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. The following approaches are discussed as ways of student evaluation: (1) work samples; (2) checklists; (3) rating scales; (4) sociometric devices; (5) conferences with students; (6) diary entries; (7) anecdotal records; (8) teacher-made tests; (9) essay tests; (10) true-false test items; (11) multiple choice items; (12) matching items; (13) completion items; (14) standardized tests; and (15) self-evaluation by the teacher about teaching quality. Since a variety of approaches are used, different philosophies of education are encountered, including measurement-driven instruction, and problem-solving methods. In any case, teachers need quality, open-ended criteria to appraise student decisions. (Contains 39 references.) (SLD)