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Distinguishing Formative, Summative, and Performance-Based Assessment

Formative Assessment

Performance-Based Assessment

Summative Assessment

Formative assessment is ongoing, frequent feedback that occurs during the learning process. Its purpose is to guide instruction and support growth before evaluating final outcomes.

Summative assessment occurs at the end of a learning cycle and measures mastery of curriculum expectations.

Performance-based assessment asks students to apply knowledge and skills in authentic, real-world tasks.

Click on the (+) sign to explore each assessment type and learn how it can be differentiated.

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How to Differentiate:

• Provide alternative ways to perform the task (e.g., live demonstration, digital simulation, model creation, role-play, or presentation)
• Offer templates, exemplars, or guided steps
• Allow students to choose real-life contexts that interest them
• Ensure accessibility (captioning, quiet recording spaces, alternative materials)

Key Features:

• Hands-on, applied learning
• Mirrors real-life problem-solving
• Supports multiple intelligences
• Demonstrates deeper understanding

Example: In a Grade 4 literacy unit, a student can show character analysis through a dramatic reenactment, a comic strip, or an audio monologue.

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How to Differentiate:

• Keep the same learning goals, but allow choices in product format:
• Video presentation
• Written report
• Digital poster
• Recorded explanation
• Performance demonstration
• Provide scaffolded rubrics that focus on skills rather than product type
• Allow extended time, chunked tasks, or graphic organizers

Key Features:

• High-stakes or culminating tasks
• Evaluates the final understanding of learning goals
• Uses rubrics or scoring criteria

Example: To demonstrate understanding of a science concept, students can create a labelled model, record a video explanation, or submit a written report.

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How to Differentiate:

• Offer students multiple ways to show understanding (exit tickets, quick sketches, voice notes, digital polls)
• Provide sentence starters, visual cues, or oral options for multilingual learners
• Allow students to choose between written, verbal, or digital responses
• Use checklists or scaffolded organizers

Key Features:

• Occurs continuously
• Low-stakes, flexible
• Guides both teaching and learning
• Helps students self-monitor progress

Example: Students complete a one-minute audio reflection, a short written response, or a drawing to show what they learned that day.

Got an idea?

Use this space to add awesome interactivity. Include text, images, videos, tables, PDFs... even interactive questions! Premium tip: Get information on how your audience interacts with your creation:

• Visit the Analytics settings;
• Activate user tracking;
• Let the communication flow!

Got an idea?

Use this space to add awesome interactivity. Include text, images, videos, tables, PDFs... even interactive questions! Premium tip: Get information on how your audience interacts with your creation:

• Visit the Analytics settings;
• Activate user tracking;
• Let the communication flow!