Another Perspective of Formative and Summative Assessment 

Another leader in teaching and learning is Dylan Wiliam. Here's his take on assessment:

Summative assessment is a lot like a post mortem investigation.

Formative assessment can be compared to a doctor's appointment. The doctor provides a patient with information and insight about a specific condition. The patient takes time to ask questions for a better understanding. Together the doctor and patient establish a course of action to improve the patient's current condition.

Summative assessment, as William explains, can be compared to an autopsy. The coroner is able to examine a body and discover the ailment. But, by this time the patient has no time for understanding or change. His time is up and so are his options.

In terms of the the classroom, however,...

Formative assessments are understanding checks in the process of learning. It informs teachers for future learning. But more importantly, the feedback that follows the formative assessments is what gives depth to the learning of each student. Multiple opportunities for continued support, explorations, and practice are available.

Feedback is the cornerstone of formative assessment. When effective feedback based on the formative assessment becomes and integral component of instruction, students experience greater understanding of the pre-established learning targets. Growth is observed, data (student progress) is recorded, and teaching is redirected to meet students where they are in the process of learning.

Summative assessment on the other hand is a display of learning as a result of the process of learning.  This is often thought of as the final grade. This assessment is developed with the learning progress in mind. It is reflective of similar processes, skills, and standards. When both forms of assessment are congruent, the teaching and learning has greater potential.

A Truth About Summative Assessment...

Don't get caught up in the myth of the "last chance" when considering summative assessment. It's important to remember, the goal of any effective learning community is to teacher students. Using professional judgment and a little intuition for the sake of differentiation, any summative assessment can become a formative assessment. Should I say it again?


Unfortunately, not all learning communities allow for this flexibility, so not all teachers can implement assessment in this way.  Regardless of required policy and procedure, keep in mind: your goal as an educator is not to play a game go Gatch-Ya' with your students. The purpose of formative and summative assessment, and even standards based grading for that matter, is to teach students and increase academic accountability through increased engagement, not play a game of control.

Take Your First Step...

Take some time to investigate what you already know about assessment and how you use it in your classroom. Consider ways you can implement formative assessment and effective feedback more consistently while maintaining a clearly parallel relationship with summative assessment.