Which statement about formative and summative assessments is most accurate?

Which statement about formative and summative assessments is most accurate?

• A. Formative assessments occur during learning to guide instruction
• B. Summative assessments occur during learning to adjust teaching
• C. Summative assessments occur after learning to evaluate overall achievement
• D. Formative assessments are never used for program decisions

Answer: (A)

Formative assessment is an ongoing process used while students are learning. It provides timely feedback that helps both the teacher adjust instruction and the learner adapt their approach, shaping the next steps in teaching and learning. That makes the statement about formative assessments occurring during learning to guide instruction the best match, because it highlights the purpose and timing that define formative work. Summative assessments, on the other hand, are typically used after instruction to evaluate overall achievement, which is why a statement that places them during learning or that claims formative data are never used for program decisions doesn’t fit as accurately.

Formative assessment is an ongoing process used while students are learning. It provides timely feedback that helps both the teacher adjust instruction and the learner adapt their approach, shaping the next steps in teaching and learning. That makes the statement about formative assessments occurring during learning to guide instruction the best match, because it highlights the purpose and timing that define formative work.

Summative assessments, on the other hand, are typically used after instruction to evaluate overall achievement, which is why a statement that places them during learning or that claims formative data are never used for program decisions doesn’t fit as accurately.