What is the difference between formative and summative assessments in literacy?

Formative assessments are designed to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to enhance their learning throughout the instructional process. These assessments occur during the learning process, allowing educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. Examples of formative assessments can include quizzes, drafts, discussions, and observations.

On the other hand, summative assessments are conducted at the end of an instructional unit or period to evaluate and measure student learning against a specific set of standards or benchmark. These assessments provide a final judgment about students' knowledge and skills, often leading to grades or certifications. Examples of summative assessments include final exams, standardized tests, and end-of-term projects.

Recognizing this distinction is crucial for educators as it informs their approach to teaching and assessing students' literacy development effectively. Such understanding ensures that they use the correct type of assessment at the appropriate time in the learning process, maximizing the impact on students' literacy skills.