What is the final assessment used to evaluate overall student learning?

The final assessment that evaluates overall student learning is a summative assessment. This type of assessment is typically conducted at the end of an instructional period, such as a unit, semester, or course, and is designed to measure the extent to which students have achieved the learning objectives and standards. Summative assessments often take the form of final exams, standardized tests, projects, or presentations, and they provide a comprehensive overview of student mastery of the material.

Unlike formative assessments, which are used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback during the learning process, summative assessments serve the purpose of determining what students have learned at the conclusion of an instructional period. Similarly, benchmark assessments are designed to evaluate student learning at specific points but do not necessarily reflect the cumulative knowledge gained over an entire course. Diagnostic assessments are intended to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses before instruction starts, helping to inform teaching strategies. Therefore, the summative assessment plays a critical role in educational accountability and in guiding future instructional decisions based on students' overall performance.