May 21, 2025
Deepening students’ academic progress requires more than just setting goals; it demands thoughtful, informed approaches to measuring progress. Across the country, schools are investing in better tools and smarter strategies to understand how students are doing and where they need support. But how can educators ensure that assessment results truly reflect student learning?
Below, we highlight four essential insights into how reading benchmarks, diagnostic tools, formative practices, and summative assessments can work together to support effective instruction, meet the multifaceted needs of all learners, and improve outcomes across K–12 education.
Accelerating Success for English Learners With Formative Assessment
Helping Multilingual Learners succeed means supporting their English language development and increasing their access to challenging, grade-level content. This dual focus requires more than standard instructional approaches—it calls for responsive, informed teaching strategies.
In this brief, educators are introduced to ideas for how formative assessment can be used not just to monitor learning but also to shape instruction in real time. When teachers integrate formative assessment into daily practice, they are better equipped to scaffold learning, adjust instruction to meet individual needs, and promote deeper engagement.
Looking Beyond the Numbers in Reading Benchmarks
When it comes to identifying students at risk for reading difficulties, many educators rely on screening assessments that apply their own benchmarks. A drop in the percentage of students flagged as “at risk” might suggest improvement, but the reality is often more complex.
As WestEd’s Mariann Lemke explains, a single measure rarely tells the whole story. Benchmarks can vary across screeners, and external factors such as changes in instruction or curriculum can affect results. Instead of relying on one data point, schools can make better decisions by drawing from multiple sources of information.
A Smarter Start: Louisiana’s Approach to Diagnostic Assessment
In Louisiana, a new approach is helping educators stay on track throughout the school year. LEAP 360, a set of high-quality diagnostic assessments in English language arts and math, allows teachers to identify what students are ready to learn and where they may need extra help.
These assessments are designed to be used early in the school year to guide instruction and goal setting. Developed in partnership with WestEd and Data Recognition Corporation, LEAP 360 emphasizes instructional alignment and practical support for classroom teachers.
Helping Teachers Understand and Prepare for State Summative Assessments
Spring testing season brings questions for many educators, including “How can I prepare my students for state assessments and align my lessons with what students are expected to know?”
WestEd’s Andrew Bell emphasizes that understanding how state assessments are designed can help teachers more effectively plan instruction by aligning it with academic standards rather than by narrowing their teaching. Professional development focused on assessment literacy can give teachers the clarity and confidence they need to support student success.
How We Help: Assessment Solutions with WestEd
At WestEd, our Comprehensive Assessment Solutions team offers expertise in the assessment of student learning, grounded in rigorous research and innovative practices, to foster educational opportunities and outcomes. Accurate, meaningful assessment is a cornerstone of effective teaching and learning, and by taking a thoughtful approach, schools can make real progress toward supporting all students.
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