Which of the following best describes summative assessments?

Summative assessments are best defined as evaluations intended to measure students' learning at the conclusion of an instructional period, such as a unit, course, or program. This type of assessment aims to determine the extent to which students have achieved the learning objectives and concepts that were taught. By providing a summary of what students have learned, summative assessments often take the form of final exams, standardized tests, or major projects.

This approach is distinct from formative assessments, which are carried out during the instructional process and focus on monitoring student progress to inform teaching decisions. The primary purpose of summative assessments is to evaluate overall learning outcomes and to assign grades or certifications based on that learning, thus serving as a definitive measure of student understanding and performance at a particular point in time.