Overview

Student assessments are essential for evaluating learning and educational progress. They can be categorized into several types, each serving a different purpose. Here are the main types of student assessments:

• Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback. Examples: Quizzes, classroom discussions, homework assignments, and observational assessments.
• Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period. Examples: End-of-term exams, standardized tests, final projects, and papers.
• Diagnostic assessments identify students' existing knowledge, skills, and abilities before instruction begins. Examples: Pre-tests, diagnostic tests in reading and math.
• Benchmark (Interim) assessments measures student progress toward meeting standards at various points throughout the school year. Examples: Quarterly assessments, mid-term exams, MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests.
• Norm-Referenced Assessments compare a student's performance to a norm group (a representative sample of peers). Examples: SAT, ACT, IQ tests.

Each type of assessment provides valuable information that can be used to support and enhance student learning and instructional practices.