Educating All Students (EAS) Practice Exam

To support diverse learners, what is the role of formative assessment?

1. To determine final grades

2. To provide ongoing feedback for instructional adjustments

3. To encourage competition among students

4. To limit the amount of classroom discussion

The correct answer is: To provide ongoing feedback for instructional adjustments

The role of formative assessment is crucial for supporting diverse learners as it provides ongoing feedback that can inform instructional adjustments. This process allows teachers to monitor student progress continuously throughout the learning experience rather than just at the end. By gathering data on student understanding and performance regularly, educators can identify areas where students may be struggling and modify their teaching strategies accordingly to meet individual learning needs. This adaptive approach is particularly important in diverse classrooms where learners may have varying backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Formative assessments also help create a supportive learning environment where feedback is used to foster improvement rather than assign final grades. This feedback can come in many forms, such as quizzes, discussions, or observations, and encourages a growth mindset among students. It allows them to engage actively in their learning process and motivates them to focus on mastery rather than competition, which is essential for building a collaborative community in the classroom. By prioritizing formative assessments, educators can enhance student engagement, understanding, and overall academic success.