In the context of assessment, what do formative assessments primarily focus on?

Formative assessments primarily focus on tracking ongoing progress and learning. These assessments are designed to provide real-time feedback to both students and educators during the learning process. By regularly monitoring a student's understanding and skills, formative assessments help identify areas where support or further instruction may be needed. This ongoing evaluation allows for adjustments in teaching strategies to better meet the needs of students, ultimately enhancing their educational experience and outcomes.

The emphasis on continuous feedback distinguishes formative assessments from summative assessments, which evaluate final outcomes after a learning period. Additionally, while assessing teacher performance is important, it is not the primary goal of formative assessments. Similarly, gathering feedback from parents, although valuable, is not the main focus of formative assessments, which directly assess student learning and progress.