Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Practice Exam

What type of assessment is typically conducted at the beginning of the school year to determine a student's reading level?

1. Screening Assessment

2. Summative Assessment

3. Formative Assessment

4. Diagnostic Assessment

The correct answer is: Screening Assessment

A screening assessment is designed to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties and to determine their overall reading levels at the beginning of the school year. This type of assessment helps educators gather baseline data regarding students' skills and understanding, allowing them to make informed decisions about instruction and intervention needs. Unlike summative assessments, which evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period, screening assessments occur early on to catch potential problems. Formative assessments, on the other hand, are conducted during the learning process to monitor student progress and inform ongoing instruction. Diagnostic assessments are more in-depth and specifically aimed at understanding a student's strengths and weaknesses in reading to guide tailored interventions. Screening assessments provide a broad overview of reading levels, making them particularly useful at the beginning of the academic year.