What type of assessment measures students’ knowledge through standardized tests?

The correct answer is summative assessment. This type of assessment is specifically designed to evaluate and measure what students have learned at the end of an instructional period or unit, often using standardized tests. Summative assessments focus on the outcomes of a program and typically provide a benchmark to determine if students have achieved the learning objectives set for them.

Standardized tests, in particular, allow for consistent measurement across different populations and settings, giving educators a way to compare student performance both within a class and against broader standards. This type of assessment is usually cumulative and is used to inform decisions about content mastery, program effectiveness, and student achievement over time.

Formative assessments, on the other hand, are conducted during the learning process and aim to provide feedback to improve students' learning as they progress. Diagnostic assessments are used prior to instruction to identify students' strengths and weaknesses. Peer assessments involve students evaluating each other’s work and learning experiences, which is different from the objective nature of standardized tests. Therefore, the distinctive characteristic of summative assessment is its focus on measuring mastery and understanding through standardized formats at the conclusion of a learning period.