What do summative assessments typically measure?

Summative assessments are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit by measuring what students have learned and their understanding of the material over a specific period of time. These assessments often come in the form of tests, projects, or essays and aim to provide a comprehensive overview of a student’s knowledge and skills related to the curriculum objectives.

This method of assessment is essential because it helps teachers identify how well students grasp the content and provides data that can inform future instructional decisions. It captures the cumulative knowledge gained over a unit rather than focusing on day-to-day classroom activities or behaviors, which do not adequately reflect a student's achievement levels regarding the instructional goals.