Formative assessments are used during instruction to adjust teaching to meet student needs, examples include observations and anecdotal records. Summative assessments are given at the end of a year to determine proficiency in tested areas, such as the Discovery Education Test. Diagnostic assessments identify specific difficulties, and should only be used if more contextual measures can't provide the needed information. Progress monitoring assessments periodically show if interventions are successful by demonstrating appropriate growth. Outcome measurements are administered in groups at the end of the year to determine adequate yearly progress of districts, schools, or subgroups.

1. Types of Assessments
By Lauren Carpenter

2. Formative and Summative Assessments

Formative Assessments are “those we use to inform instructional decisions and to
adjust specific aspects of instruction in order to meet our end goals” (Vogt &
Shearer, 2011, p. 103).

They used before or during instruction. The purpose of a formative assessment is
to better meet the needs of students.

Examples: Anecdotal records, classroom observations

Summative Assessments are used at the end of the year and determine if students
are proficient in the areas of which they are being tested in.

Examples: Discovery Education Test, FAIR

3. Diagnostic

Diagnostic Assessments are ones that can be norm referenced or informal.

These assessments are used to identify exactly where students are having
difficulty. “Diagnostic assessments should be administered only if we can
reasonably expect they will yield information that cannot be obtained through
other more contextually situated measures” (Vogt & Shearer, 2011, p. 105).

4. Progress Monitoring

These types of assessments are given periodically to show whether the
interventions that have been put in place or others programs are working and
successful for students.

They should show students making appropriate growth and if not, than the
intervention or program would need to be adjusted.

“If the instruments used are closely tied to what is taught, they can help
determine the kind of instruction needed as well” (Vogt & Shearer, 2011, p.
105).

5. Outcome Measurements

These assessments are administered in a group, usually at the end of the year.

“They are summative, used to determine whether a district or school, or a
subgroup within a school, is making adequate yearly progress” (Vogt &
Shearer, 2011, p. 105).

They are used to compare different state and district scores.
Example:
FCAT (Florida Comprehension Assessment Test)

6. References

Vogt, M., & Shearer, B. (2011). Reading specialists and literacy coaches in the
real world. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.