Ontario Mathematics Proficiency Practice Test

In assessment terminology, what does "diagnostic" assessment refer to?

1. Assessments that determine final grades

2. Assessments designed to identify student needs

3. Assessments that monitor ongoing progress

4. Assessments that compare peer performance

The correct answer is: Assessments designed to identify student needs

Diagnostic assessment refers to assessments that are specifically designed to identify student needs, strengths, and areas for improvement prior to instruction. This type of assessment aims to provide educators with detailed insights into a student's current level of understanding and learning gaps, allowing for personalized instruction that targets those needs effectively. By evaluating what students already know, educators can adjust their teaching strategies, curriculum, or interventions to better support student learning. In contrast, assessments that determine final grades focus on evaluating overall performance at the end of a learning period, which is not the purpose of diagnostic assessment. Assessments that monitor ongoing progress track how students are doing continually, which differs from the snapshot approach of diagnostic assessments that are typically administered before instruction. Lastly, assessments that compare peer performance assess how students are doing relative to their classmates, rather than focusing on understanding individual learning requirements.