Which statement best describes the difference between formative and summative assessment?

Which statement best describes the difference between formative and summative assessment?

• A. Formative assessment happens at the end to measure achievement; summative assessment guides learning during instruction.
• B. Formative assessment is optional and not used for grading; summative assessment is the only official measure.
• C. Formative assessment occurs during instruction to guide learning; summative assessment occurs at the end to evaluate achievement.
• D. Formative assessment is used for school accountability; summative assessment is used for class feedback.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how formative and summative assessments differ in timing and purpose. Formative assessment happens during instruction to guide learning. It provides ongoing feedback that helps students improve and helps teachers adjust teaching strategies—think quick quizzes, check-ins, or exit tickets. Summative assessment occurs at the end of a unit or course to evaluate what has been learned and determine achievement or grades, like a final exam or end-of-unit project. Therefore, the statement that best describes the difference is that formative assessment occurs during instruction to guide learning, while summative assessment occurs at the end to evaluate achievement. The other options mix up when the assessments occur or what they’re used for, which makes them less accurate representations of their roles.

The key idea is how formative and summative assessments differ in timing and purpose. Formative assessment happens during instruction to guide learning. It provides ongoing feedback that helps students improve and helps teachers adjust teaching strategies—think quick quizzes, check-ins, or exit tickets. Summative assessment occurs at the end of a unit or course to evaluate what has been learned and determine achievement or grades, like a final exam or end-of-unit project.

Therefore, the statement that best describes the difference is that formative assessment occurs during instruction to guide learning, while summative assessment occurs at the end to evaluate achievement. The other options mix up when the assessments occur or what they’re used for, which makes them less accurate representations of their roles.