Formative assessment is best described as:

Formative assessment is best described as:

• A. A single end-of-unit test used for grading.
• B. Ongoing feedback and adjustments during the learning process.
• C. A standardized test used for placement decisions.
• D. A peer-only evaluation process.

Answer: (B)

Formative assessment focuses on feedback during the learning process and using that feedback to adjust teaching and help students improve. It happens as instruction unfolds, with multiple checks for understanding—like quick questions, exit tickets, observations, or short conferences—that reveal what students know, what they’re unsure about, and what needs to be retaught or clarified. The goal isn’t to assign a grade right away, but to close learning gaps by guiding next steps for both the teacher and the learner. So you might see a teacher adjusting pacing, revisiting a concept, or offering targeted practice based on what the ongoing checks show. This stands in contrast to end-of-unit tests used for grading, standardized tests used for placement decisions, or evaluations that don’t feed back into instruction.

Formative assessment focuses on feedback during the learning process and using that feedback to adjust teaching and help students improve. It happens as instruction unfolds, with multiple checks for understanding—like quick questions, exit tickets, observations, or short conferences—that reveal what students know, what they’re unsure about, and what needs to be retaught or clarified. The goal isn’t to assign a grade right away, but to close learning gaps by guiding next steps for both the teacher and the learner. So you might see a teacher adjusting pacing, revisiting a concept, or offering targeted practice based on what the ongoing checks show. This stands in contrast to end-of-unit tests used for grading, standardized tests used for placement decisions, or evaluations that don’t feed back into instruction.