FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

When should a teacher use formative assessment?

1. At the beginning of a new unit

2. To assess comprehension of an individual skill in the middle of a unit

3. At the end of the school year

4. Only during state assessments

The correct answer is: To assess comprehension of an individual skill in the middle of a unit

Formative assessment is most effectively utilized to gauge students' understanding and mastery of material during the instructional process, particularly when teachers are providing ongoing feedback and support. Using formative assessment to assess comprehension of an individual skill in the middle of a unit allows teachers to identify areas where students are struggling and to adjust their teaching methods accordingly. This approach fosters an environment where students can improve and refine their skills before moving on to more complex concepts. In contrast, assessing at the beginning of a new unit can establish a baseline but does not provide ongoing insight into student progress. Similarly, end-of-year assessments typically serve summative purposes, evaluating what students have learned rather than informing instruction during the learning process. Relying solely on state assessments neglects the formative role that assessments play in daily classroom learning, which is crucial for fostering student growth and addressing learning gaps.