What type of assessment focuses on measuring student progress in reading over time?

• A. Summative assessments that evaluate final outcomes
• B. Standardized assessments for statewide comparisons
• C. Formative assessments that track ongoing progress
• D. Diagnostic assessments conducted once

Answer: (C)

Formative assessments are designed specifically to monitor student progress in reading over time. These assessments provide educators with ongoing feedback about students' understanding and skills as they develop, allowing for timely instructional adjustments. Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate what students have learned at the end of a unit or term, formative assessments are conducted continuously and help to inform teaching strategies that support student growth.

Standardized assessments are generally used for broad comparisons across a population and often do not provide specific insights into an individual student's progress over time. Diagnostic assessments, while useful for identifying specific learning needs or difficulties, are typically conducted at a single point in time rather than measuring progress throughout the learning process. Therefore, formative assessments are uniquely suited to track and enhance reading development in a continuous manner.