What information will the test provide?

The table on this page shows common uses for tests that you may consider using to assess your students.

Test Type

Information Provided

Example

Achievement

Provides information that can be used for awarding credit at a specific level or evaluating a program's effectiveness.

An achievement test could be used to measure how well a student has reached the objectives of a specific course or program.

Diagnostic

Provides information that can be used for planning targeted instruction to best meet the needs of individual students. 

A diagnostic test could be used to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Formative

Provides information on students' progress that can be used for planning subsequent instruction.

A formative assessment could be used to provide feedback to the teacher and learner about the learner's progress toward desired educational outcomes.

Placement

Provides information on general language abilities and overall language proficiency to ensure students are appropriately placed.

A placement test could be used to gather information about language proficiency for the purpose of placing incoming students in courses.

Proficiency

Provides information on general language abilities not tied to the content of a particular course or program.

A proficiency test could be used to test a student's ability in a defined area of language (e.g., social and academic language, language for specific purposes, etc.).

Summative

Provides information on mastery of a specific body of information (e.g., a single unit or course) or level of attainment (e.g., proficiency gains after a period of instruction).

A summative assessment could be used to assess knowledge and ability in the material taught within a specific unit of study or course.