Which of the following best identifies ongoing assessments used to adjust instruction immediately based on student need?

• A. Benchmark
• B. Formative
• C. Diagnostic
• D. Summative

Answer: (B)

Formative assessment is about checking understanding as instruction happens and using what you learn right away to guide the next steps in teaching. It involves quick checks for understanding, observations, or short prompts during a lesson, so you can adjust what you’re doing—reteach a concept, provide different supports, or move on to the next activity based on how students are performing. That immediacy is what makes it the best fit for continuously tailoring instruction to student needs.

Benchmark assessments are periodic measures used to see if students are on track toward standards, but they’re not typically used to modify instruction in the moment. Diagnostic assessments aim to uncover specific learning gaps before or early in instruction, offering a deeper look at needs rather than ongoing day-to-day adjustment. Summative assessments evaluate what students have mastered at the end of a unit or period, not for immediate instructional changes.