FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of formative assessments?

1. They evaluate achievement at the end of a term

2. They determine school accountability

3. They are used to improve instructional strategies

4. They assess the level of standardized testing

The correct answer is: They are used to improve instructional strategies

Formative assessments are specifically designed to provide feedback and information during the instructional process, allowing educators to adjust their teaching strategies to enhance student learning. They focus on monitoring student progress and understanding over time, rather than just measuring achievement at the end of a course or term. This formative approach enables teachers to identify areas where students may be struggling and to implement targeted interventions or modifications in their instructional methods. The goal is to foster a continuous cycle of improvement in both teaching and learning, making formative assessments a crucial tool in effective education. They are not primarily intended for accountability measures or standardized testing, which is why the other options do not align with the fundamental nature and purpose of formative assessments.