A diagnostic assessment is used for what purpose?

• A. It is a pre-assessment to identify strengths and difficulties before instruction.
• B. It measures how students perform in the local curriculum.
• C. It is a time sampling tool.
• D. It is an IQ test.

Answer: (A)

Diagnostic assessment gives a clear picture of what a child already knows and what they still need to learn before instruction starts. In early childhood, this might involve simple tasks or observations to see if a child can recognize letters, count, or interact with others, highlighting specific strengths and gaps. The main value is that the results guide teaching—helping you plan where to start, set focused goals, and decide what supports or groupings are needed. It isn’t about measuring how well a student will perform on the local curriculum after teaching, which is what progress checks or post-instruction tests do. It also isn’t a time-sampling method for behavior nor an IQ test. The purpose is to tailor instruction from the outset by identifying precise learning needs.