What type of assessment is best for monitoring ongoing progress in reading?

Formative assessments are designed specifically to monitor student progress on an ongoing basis throughout the learning process. These assessments can take various forms, such as quizzes, observations, and informal assessments like reading journals or check-ins. The primary purpose of formative assessments is to provide immediate feedback to both students and teachers, allowing for adjustments to instruction based on individual student needs. This continuous feedback loop helps identify areas where students may be struggling or excelling in reading, enabling educators to tailor their teaching strategies accordingly.

In contrast, final exams and summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period, offering a snapshot of what students have learned rather than ongoing progress. Standardized tests are typically administered under specific conditions to assess student performance in a consistent way, but they often do not provide the timely feedback necessary for continuous monitoring and improvement in reading skills. Thus, formative assessments stand out as the most effective tool for tracking and supporting student development in reading over time.