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).

Examples: Benchmark and Unit Tests (This would come from the reading
program currently be used in schools).

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).

Examples: Fluency Quick Reads, Fresh Reads (Both can be used for onlevel, advanced, or strategic intervention students which checks fluency and
practices and applies the weekly comprehension skills.

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), SAT

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