The purpose of assessment varies with the instrument, the intended use, and the results generated.  The ultimate goal of any assessment is to get to know our students better so we can be responsive to their learning needs.  The following is a list of the categories of assessments we use and why we use them.  

 

Universal Screening/Benchmark Assessments

Universal screening and benchmark assessments are given to all students at specified times throughout the year to:

• track benchmark attainment; 
• determine if additional supports are needed (IST, Title I, special education, learning enrichment, gifted); and
• monitor progress over time.  Examples of these types of assessments include:  Aims Web, MAP, running records.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is the most commonly-used assessment by classroom teachers to monitor student achievement at the classroom level and guide day-to day-instruction. Formative assessments are typically not graded and are embedded in the instructional activities planned by the teacher.  

 

Examples of formative assessments include pre-assessments and running records. A running record is an individually-administered assessment where a student reads aloud with a teacher who records reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension.  Teachers are able to zero in on specific areas of strength and need by studying the strategies each student brings to the text.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment is the process of making sure students learned what we intended them to learn. Summative assessments are typically graded for a test or scored for a rubric.  End-of-unit tests, as well as the PSSA, are examples of summative assessments.