Which is an example of a formal assessment?

• A. STAAR
• B. Exit Slips
• C. Observations during a lesson
• D. Group project used for critique

Answer: (A)

Formal assessments are standardized, scheduled evaluations that measure student achievement against clear standards using consistent administration and scoring. The state-administered STAAR fits this description because it follows uniform procedures for all students and produces scores that can be compared across schools and districts.

Exit slips are quick, informal checks used to gauge understanding in the moment and usually aren’t scored in a standardized way. Observations during a lesson are ongoing, informal ways to monitor progress and guide instruction. A group project used for critique can be a valuable performance task, but without standardized administration and scoring it isn’t a formal assessment.