TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which examples are considered formal assessments that prekindergarten teachers can utilize?

1. Progress monitoring measures

2. Diagnostic assessments

3. Ongoing observations

4. Systematic observations

The correct answer is: Progress monitoring measures

Formal assessments are structured and typically standardized assessments that aim to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in a systematic way. Progress monitoring measures fit this definition as they are designed to assess student performance over time, tracking their progress toward specific educational goals. These measures often involve set benchmarks and criteria, which can provide clear data on student learning and help inform instructional decisions. Other options, such as diagnostic assessments, while also formal in nature, may not strictly fall under the category of "progress monitoring," as they typically assess skills for the purpose of understanding a student's strengths and weaknesses at a certain point in time rather than ongoing progress. Ongoing observations and systematic observations, while valuable for understanding student behavior and learning, are generally considered informal assessments. They may lack the standardized criteria that formal assessments provide, making progress monitoring measures the most fitting choice for formal assessments utilized by prekindergarten teachers.