Which of the following is a formative assessment example?

• A. A quick exit ticket after a lesson to gauge understanding.
• B. A comprehensive, end-of-year exam.
• C. A standardized state test.
• D. A final project graded holistically.

Answer: (A)

Formative assessment is ongoing feedback during learning to shape instruction. An exit ticket after a lesson fits this perfectly because it’s quick and low-stakes, giving the teacher immediate insight into what students understood or where they’re stuck. That information can be used to adjust the next lesson or reteach as needed.

End-of-year exams and standardized tests are summative; they evaluate what has been learned after instruction and are typically used for reporting or accountability, not to guide day-to-day teaching. A final project graded holistically is also usually a summative measure, assessing a completed set of work at the end of a unit or course rather than providing rapid, instructional feedback.