Formal assessments include which of the following?

• A. Standardized tests and criterion-referenced tests
• B. Diagnostic assessments and portfolios
• C. Checklists and time sampling
• D. Observations and anecdotal records

Answer: (A)

Formal assessments rely on measurements that are standardized in how they’re given and scored, so results are fair and comparable across students. Standardized tests fit this because every student experiences the same questions, directions, timing, and scoring rules, with results interpreted against established norms. Criterion-referenced tests also count as formal because they measure whether a student has met specific, predefined criteria or skills, using a consistent set of criteria for scoring each student’s performance. Together, these two types provide uniform, objective evidence of what a student knows or can do.

Other approaches, like diagnostic assessments, portfolios, checklists, time sampling, and observations, are typically more informal or teacher-driven. They gather information about individual growth, strengths, and needs in more flexible ways and often involve subjective judgment or ongoing, varied evidence rather than uniform administration and scoring.