What does summative assessment measure?

Summative assessment is designed to evaluate student learning at a specific point in time, typically at the end of an instructional period. This type of assessment typically occurs after a unit or semester and is used to determine what students have learned and how well they have grasped the material covered. Summative assessments often take the form of final projects, standardized tests, or end-of-term exams. This provides educators with a clear measure of student achievement and helps inform decisions about instructional effectiveness and academic outcomes.

In contrast, other types of assessments, such as formative assessments, focus on ongoing student progress and provide feedback that can be used to guide instruction while learning is still occurring. Similarly, skill development over time refers to the gradual acquisition of knowledge and abilities through various experiences, which is not the primary focus of summative assessments.