Which type of assessment is used to measure student learning at a specific point?

Summative assessment is designed specifically to evaluate student learning at a particular point in time, typically at the end of an instructional period, such as the end of a unit, course, or academic year. This type of assessment aims to determine what students have learned and retained, often through tests, projects, or exams that summarize their understanding and achievements.

Summative assessments provide a clear and comprehensive picture of student performance and are often used for grading purposes or to inform stakeholders about educational outcomes. They are distinct from other types of assessments, such as formative assessments, which are ongoing and provide feedback during the learning process, or diagnostic assessments, which are used to identify students' strengths and weaknesses prior to instruction. Benchmark assessments, while also measuring student performance, typically assess progress across multiple intervals rather than focusing on a specific point.