Which of the following best distinguishes summative assessments from formative assessments?

• A. They measure student progress during instruction.
• B. They are used to guide daily teaching decisions.
• C. They are administered at the end of instruction to evaluate mastery.
• D. They provide immediate feedback on learning strategies.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is timing and purpose in how assessments are used. Summative assessments are designed to measure what students have learned after instruction is complete. They’re typically given at the end of a unit or course and are used to evaluate mastery, often for final grades or certification. That matches the idea of being administered at the end of instruction to evaluate mastery.

Other statements describe formative practices, which occur during instruction to monitor progress, inform daily teaching decisions, and provide immediate feedback so instruction can be adjusted as students learn. That’s why those options don’t best distinguish summative assessments from formative ones.