What is the primary role of assessment in monitoring reading progress?

The primary role of assessment in monitoring reading progress is to provide information on student progress and inform instruction. This means that assessments are utilized to gather data on how well students are developing their reading skills over time. With this data, teachers can identify students who may be struggling, adjust their teaching strategies accordingly, and tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Assessments serve as tools for ongoing feedback, allowing educators to make informed decisions to enhance student learning and ensure that educational practices are effectively meeting individual student needs.

In contrast, grading students focuses more on evaluating performance rather than fostering growth. The creation of standardized tests serves a different purpose, primarily concerning uniformity and broader assessments across populations rather than individualized feedback. Lastly, delaying feedback until the end of the year does not support timely intervention and adjustment in teaching practices, which are crucial for effective reading development.