Which term describes assessments used to determine students' proficiency levels, strengths and weaknesses, and overall progress, with results used to plan further instruction?

• A. Formative assessments
• B. Formal assessment
• C. Formal and Informal assessments
• D. Informal assessment

Answer: (C)

Assessments that show where a student stands, what they’ve mastered, and what still needs work, with results used to guide the next steps in instruction, come from using both formal and informal methods. Formal assessments provide standardized, structured data—like unit tests or benchmark exams—that let you measure proficiency against clear standards. Informal assessments offer ongoing, real-time insights—such as observations, quick checks for understanding, exit tickets, and performance tasks—that reveal day-to-day progress and how learning is unfolding. Together, they give a complete picture of strengths, weaknesses, and overall progress, which you can translate into targeted reteaching, enrichment, or adjustments to instruction. Relying on only one type can miss important aspects: formal data might not capture daily growth or effort, while informal data can lack consistency or breadth for broader comparison.