FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which assessments are specifically used to "place" students in appropriate courses?

1. High-stakes assessments

2. Screening assessments

3. Formative assessments

4. Placement assessments

The correct answer is: Placement assessments

Placement assessments are designed specifically to evaluate a student's readiness for a particular course or program, thus helping to place them in the most appropriate learning environment. These assessments typically measure a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities in specific subject areas to ensure they are matched with instruction that is suited to their current level. For instance, if a student is entering a high school math class, a placement assessment may determine whether they should be placed in Algebra I, Geometry, or a more advanced course based on their prior knowledge and skills. This targeted approach helps in creating a more effective instructional path for the student, allowing them to succeed and engage with the material at the right level. Other types of assessments serve different purposes; for example, high-stakes assessments are often used to evaluate overall proficiency or success at critical points in education (like state exams), screening assessments aim to identify students who may need additional support or interventions, and formative assessments are ongoing checks for understanding used to guide instruction during the teaching process. However, placement assessments are specifically focused on course and program entry decisions.