Which statement best captures the essence of formative assessment?

Formative assessment is fundamentally designed to gather information about student learning as it occurs, allowing educators to understand how well students are grasping the material during the learning process. This ongoing assessment aids teachers in making informed instructional decisions, helping them to adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of their students. By continuously collecting feedback, teachers can identify areas where students may struggle, allowing them to provide targeted support or adjust their lessons in real-time to enhance learning outcomes.

This process contrasts sharply with other options that either limit assessment to specific points in time, such as at the end of a unit, or use the data primarily for standardized testing. Additionally, formative assessments are indeed essential for effective teaching, as they provide the necessary insights to foster student growth and ensure mastery of concepts.