Informing Writing: The Benefits of Formative Assessment

The report uses the powerful statistical method of meta-analysis to determine that classroom-based writing assessmentscan help students improve their writing skills. Additionally, these “formative” assessments, as they are called, allow teachers to gauge the effectiveness of their instructional practices, modify instruction as needed, and provide students with feedback on writing strengths and areas in need of improvement.

Citation: Graham, S., Harris, K., and Hebert, M. A. (2011). Informing writing: The benefits of formative assessment. A Carnegie Corporation Time to Act report. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education.

Program: Education