Resource Hub
Explore guides, research papers, policy briefs, and tools to aid decisions on standards and assessments.
Using Formative Assessment to Improve Student Achievement in the Core Content Areas
Based on a broad analysis of existing studies, this briefing paper covers what formative assessment is, the purposes of formative assessment, why teachers and others should use formative assessment, research findings about formative assessment, how formative assessment fits into curriculum and instruction, and state highlights of the use of formative assessments.
This briefing paper is very well researched and informative about formative assessment. Its language is clear and accessible. It provides a good overview of formative assessment, but its example of a state’s implementation is confusing (e.g., it does not seem consistent with the description of formative assessment as a process vs. a tool). Overall, this resource provides a good introduction to formative assessment.