What type of assessment is given at the end of the year to evaluate the effectiveness of a reading program?

The correct answer focuses on summative assessment, which is specifically designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a reading program at the end of a designated period, such as the academic year. This type of assessment provides a comprehensive overview of student learning and program effectiveness by measuring student achievement against predetermined benchmarks or standards.

Summative assessments can take various forms, such as final exams, standardized tests, or comprehensive projects, all aimed at assessing what students have learned over the course of the year. The results of such assessments help educators make informed decisions about curriculum effectiveness, instructional strategies, and potential adjustments to improve future teaching and learning.

In contrast, formative assessments are ongoing assessments used throughout the year to monitor student learning, providing immediate feedback to help improve instruction and student understanding. Diagnostic assessments are typically used at the beginning of a learning cycle to identify students' existing knowledge and skills, while outcome assessments focus on specific learning goals or objectives but may not encompass the entire program's efficacy over an extended period.