What is a summative evaluation primarily used for in education?

A summative evaluation is primarily used to evaluate student achievement and teacher instruction at the end of an instructional period. This type of assessment is designed to measure what students have learned after a unit or course has been completed. It typically involves standardized tests, final projects, or other assessment methods that summarize student learning and performance.

Summative evaluations provide important data that can indicate the effectiveness of instructional strategies, allowing educators to assess whether the goals of the curriculum have been met. By evaluating both student achievement and teacher performance, summative assessments help inform decisions about future instruction, curriculum development, and educational practices. This is distinct from formative evaluations, which are designed for ongoing assessment and feedback during the learning process, rather than at the end.