What is the purpose of formative assessment in language arts?

The purpose of formative assessment in language arts is primarily to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments. This type of assessment is designed to be ongoing and occurs during the learning process, allowing educators to gather feedback on student understanding and skills. By utilizing formative assessments, teachers can identify areas where students may struggle and provide timely support or intervention, adapting their instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. This method fosters a more responsive classroom environment, where teaching can be tailored to enhance learning outcomes effectively.

In contrast, the other options focus on different functions that do not align with the core purpose of formative assessment. Assigning grades at the end of the term is typically associated with summative assessments, which evaluate what students have learned after instruction is complete. Evaluating teachers' performance is a broader assessment of teaching effectiveness, not directly related to individual student progress. Identifying high-achieving students might relate to screening or diagnostic assessments instead, which serve a different purpose than the continuous feedback loop established by formative assessments.