What type of assessment is typically used for high-stakes testing?

Summative assessments are typically used for high-stakes testing because they are designed to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit or period. These assessments provide a comprehensive overview of what students have learned and how well they have achieved the educational objectives. High-stakes testing often includes standardized exams that can significantly impact students' academic futures, such as determining graduation eligibility or placement in advanced programs.

In contrast, formative assessments are primarily used during the learning process to provide ongoing feedback and guide instructional strategies, rather than to evaluate overall student achievement at a particular end point. Diagnostic assessments are used to identify students' strengths and weaknesses before instruction begins, allowing educators to tailor their teaching to meet individual needs. Informal assessments include observations and casual assessments that are not standardized, focusing more on individual student progress than on broader accountability measures.

Thus, summative assessments are specifically designed to measure cumulative knowledge and skills, making them the appropriate type of assessment for high-stakes testing situations.