What is a key goal of summative evaluations in educational settings?

The key goal of summative evaluations in educational settings is to measure and report student learning achievements. Summative evaluations are conducted at the end of an instructional period, such as the end of a unit or course, and are designed to assess what students have learned relative to the objectives of the curriculum. By collecting and analyzing this data, educators can effectively determine if students have reached the expected learning outcomes, which is essential for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the instructional strategies used and ensuring accountability in education. This assessment provides valuable information for educators, stakeholders, and policymakers regarding student performance and the educational system as a whole.