How can formative assessments be used in reading instruction?

Formative assessments play a crucial role in reading instruction by allowing educators to gather ongoing feedback about students' understanding and skills throughout the learning process. This continuous feedback is vital because it helps teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their instructional strategies accordingly. By using formative assessments, educators can tailor their teaching to meet the individual needs of students, enhancing personalized learning and ultimately leading to improved reading outcomes.

In contrast to providing a final evaluation, which is the function of summative assessments, or comparing scores against national standards, formative assessments focus on the day-to-day learning process. They are not typically used to assign grades for report cards; rather, their primary purpose is to support and guide both teaching and learning.