Which approach should an education leader take to assess student learning?

Using multiple sources of data, including formative and summative assessments, is crucial for accurately assessing student learning. This multifaceted approach allows an education leader to gain a comprehensive understanding of students’ knowledge, skills, and growth over time. Formative assessments, which are conducted during the learning process, offer insights into student progress and help identify areas needing improvement. Summative assessments, administered at the end of an instructional period, evaluate overall learning outcomes and mastery of content.

By integrating various assessment types, school leaders can make informed decisions about curriculum adjustments, instructional strategies, and resource allocation tailored to meet students’ diverse needs. This comprehensive assessment strategy also promotes a more balanced and equitable view of student performance, rather than relying on a single measure, which may not capture the full picture of student learning. Consequently, this approach aligns with best practices in educational assessment and supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning outcomes.