What is the purpose of formative assessments in structured literacy?

The purpose of formative assessments in structured literacy is to provide ongoing feedback for instruction. These assessments are designed to gather information about students' understanding and skills during the learning process, allowing educators to modify and tailor their teaching strategies to better meet the individual needs of their students. By using formative assessments, teachers can identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their instruction accordingly, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Formative assessments are not meant to evaluate only the final outcomes, as they focus on the process of learning rather than just measuring what students know at the end of a unit. Additionally, they do not eliminate the need for any assessments; rather, they complement other forms of assessment by providing a continuous loop of feedback. Lastly, while student behavior may be observed, formative assessments primarily focus on academic progress and understanding, not solely on behavior. Thus, ongoing feedback is essential to driving effective instruction in structured literacy.