This type of feedback, called formative assessment, is often easier said than done. Schools are finding challenges in all areas, including even getting students to a computer with Internet access.

Assessment is formative when: Evidence is gathered about student achievement or understanding. The information allows the instructor or learner to alter future instructional steps. It is done to ...

The formative model stands in contrast to “summative” assessments, generally end-of-course or end-of-year tests meant to measure the knowledge students have gained over a longer period of time.

Richard J. Stiggins, an advocate of classroom assessments in the service of learning, identifies misconceptions about formative assessment.