The type of assessment being used when schools give standardized tests to students each spring, which are usually mandated by the state, is a formal assessment.
1. **Formal Assessment:** Standardized tests are a form of formal assessment designed to evaluate students' knowledge and skills in a consistent and structured manner. These tests typically have a specific format, instructions, and scoring criteria that are the same for all students taking the test. They aim to provide an objective measure of student performance across a large population.
2. **Characteristics of Formal Assessment:**
- Structured: Standardized tests have a predetermined structure with specific sections and questions that all students must answer.
- Standardized Scoring: The scoring process is uniform for all students, usually based on predetermined criteria or a rubric.
- Administered under Controlled Conditions: These tests are usually administered under controlled conditions to ensure fairness and consistency.
- Mandated by the State: In many cases, standardized tests are mandated by the state as part of their educational assessment requirements.
In summary, when schools administer standardized tests mandated by the state each spring, they are using a formal assessment method to evaluate student performance.
