What role do formative assessments play in reading instruction?

Formative assessments play a crucial role in reading instruction by identifying student needs and tracking progress throughout the learning process. These assessments are typically ongoing and are designed to provide immediate feedback to both students and teachers. By using formative assessments, educators can pinpoint specific areas where students may struggle, allowing for timely interventions and tailored instruction that meets individual learning needs. This continuous feedback loop enables teachers to adjust their teaching strategies and content based on the specific progress and challenges of their students. As a result, formative assessments contribute to a more personalized learning experience, fostering improvement and engagement in reading skills.

In contrast to the focus on formative assessments, summative evaluations are designed to assess student learning at the end of an instructional period, which limits their ability to provide ongoing insights into student needs. Consequently, relying solely on final achievements does not capture the nuanced growth that occurs over time. Similarly, excluding formative assessments from instructional decisions would hinder a teacher's ability to effectively support student learning and respond to their evolving needs.