Summative assessments are primarily used for what purpose?

Summative assessments are primarily designed to evaluate student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period by measuring the degree to which students have achieved learning objectives. Their main purpose is to determine student progress at the end of units, courses, or specified time frames. This type of assessment typically culminates in a comprehensive evaluation, such as final exams, end-of-term projects, or standardized tests, and provides a clear picture of what students have learned over the course of instruction.

By focusing on the overall performance and mastery of content, summative assessments allow educators to gauge the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and identify areas where students may need further instruction or support. This contrasts with formative assessments, which occur during the learning process and are used to monitor student progress and inform ongoing teaching strategies.