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Overview of Major Assessment Types in Standards-Based Instruction

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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

Data Use for Learning & Improvement Policy Standards, Assessment, & Accountability Topics

Assessment Topics

Diagnostic, Interim, & Benchmark Assessment Formative Assessment Summative & Large Scale Assessment

Grade Level

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

Media Type

Document

Overview of Major Assessment Types in Standards-Based Instruction

Organization

WestEd, Center on Standards and Assessment Implementation

Published

2016

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