Which statement best characterizes Formal Assessment?

• A. Observations and informal questions used during instruction.
• B. Quizzes, homework assignments, journals, and projects that provide evidence to modify teaching and learning.
• C. A description of student feelings about the class.
• D. Standardized tests only.

Answer: (B)

Formal assessment is a planned, systematic collection of evidence about what students know and can do, using scored tasks that align with learning goals. Quizzes, homework assignments, journals, and projects fit this description because they are designed, scheduled assessments with clear criteria or rubrics, and their results help teachers decide what to reteach or advance. The data from these assessments provide evidence to adjust teaching and learning to meet students’ needs. In contrast, observations and informal questions during instruction are informal assessment, offering quick feedback but not typically tied to a formal scoring system or used to make broader instructional decisions. Describing student feelings about the class doesn’t measure academic learning. Relying only on standardized tests is too narrow, since formal assessment includes a range of teacher-created and standardized tasks, all used to inform instruction.