What aspect of assessment does the WEST-E emphasize for effective teaching?

The emphasis on continuous formative assessment aligned with learning goals reflects a fundamental understanding of effective teaching practices. Continuous formative assessment involves regularly gathering feedback on student learning and progress throughout the instructional process, rather than relying solely on summative assessments that evaluate learning after it has occurred. This approach allows educators to make timely adjustments to their teaching strategies, address individual student needs, and enhance overall student engagement and understanding.

By aligning assessments with learning goals, educators ensure that the assessments are purposeful and directly support students’ ongoing development. This alignment helps to clarify what students are expected to learn and provides them with a clear framework for understanding their progress. Furthermore, continuous formative assessments can foster a growth mindset in students, as they focus on improvement and learning over time, rather than simply on final grades or test scores.

This approach contrasts with other choices that might prioritize testing for accountability or grades rather than learning. Therefore, emphasizing continuous formative assessment represents a commitment to fostering a learning environment that supports the needs of all students and promotes their academic growth.