{"id":17150,"date":"2025-07-26T05:27:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T05:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glendaleschool.org\/in\/?post_type=glossary&p=17150"},"modified":"2025-12-30T09:36:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T09:36:56","slug":"formative-vs-summative-assessment-know-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/glendaleschool.org\/in\/glossary\/formative-vs-summative-assessment-know-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Formative vs Summative Assessment: Know the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pop quiz time! What\u2019s the difference between a formative and summative assessment?<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A) One is a surprise test and the other is a final exam<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. B) One tells you what your child knows; the other tells you how they\u2019re learning<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. C) They are the same thing with fancier names<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. D) Umm\u2026 help?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Correct answer: B!<\/b><\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s break it down together for a better understanding of formative vs summative assessment. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about formative and summative assessments, what makes them different and how we use both to help your child thrive.<\/span>
    \n <\/p>\n

    Formative Assessment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    So, <\/span>what is a formative assessment<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n

    Definition<\/span><\/p>\n

    An ongoing assessment used during the learning process to give feedback, track progress and improve teaching. It helps teachers understand how well a student is understanding a concept while they\u2019re still learning it. Think of it as a learning GPS that gives real-time directions. \u201cOops, wrong turn? No problem, let\u2019s reroute!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Examples of formative assessment<\/b><\/p>\n