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Explore guides, research papers, policy briefs, and tools to aid decisions on standards and assessments.

Overview of Major Assessment Types in Standards-Based Instruction

This overview is designed to help state education agencies, local education agencies, schools, educators, partner organizations, and other stakeholders understand the differences between major assessment types in standards-based instruction. Formative, Diagnostic, Interim/Benchmark, and Summative assessments are included. This resource describes how these various assessments differ according to their definition, purpose, format, frequency of administration, and classroom uses.

General Topics

Accountability

Grade Level

Early Learning Elementary School (K-5) High School (9-12) Higher Education Middle School (6-8)