How does formative assessment benefit students with disabilities?

Formative assessment is a key practice that provides ongoing feedback about student learning, which is particularly beneficial for students with disabilities. This approach allows educators to monitor understanding and progress throughout the learning process, rather than solely at the end. By gathering this data continuously, teachers can make real-time adjustments to instruction, ensuring that they meet the individual needs of each student effectively.

This responsiveness is crucial for students with disabilities, who may require different supports or modifications in their learning experiences. For instance, if a formative assessment indicates that a student is struggling with a particular concept, the teacher can intervene immediately, offering additional resources or changing the method of instruction to better suit that student's learning style. This adaptive teaching helps ensure that all students can achieve their learning objectives.

In contrast, the other options imply a more static or final view of assessment, such as providing a concluding evaluation or serving only as a grading tool, which does not align with the dynamic nature of formative assessment designed to enhance learning continuously.