FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of assessment is conducted at the beginning of a course to identify student readiness?

1. Summative assessments

2. Diagnostic assessments

3. Screener assessments

4. Placement assessments

The correct answer is: Diagnostic assessments

Diagnostic assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and readiness prior to the start of a course. This type of assessment helps educators determine what students already know and identify their strengths and weaknesses. By using diagnostic assessments, teachers can tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of their students. These assessments might involve pre-tests, surveys, or quizzes that cover prerequisite knowledge and skills necessary for the upcoming course. Understanding students' baseline abilities allows for more informed teaching strategies and the ability to address potential learning gaps from the very beginning. The other options provided do not serve the specific purpose of assessing readiness at the start of a course. Summative assessments occur at the end of an instructional period to measure what students have learned. Screener assessments are generally used to identify students who may need additional support or intervention rather than to gauge readiness for coursework. Placement assessments typically determine the appropriate level or class for a student but may not provide insights into their specific readiness for a particular course.