How does ongoing assessment inform lesson planning?

• A. It identifies areas of need and guides differentiation and goal setting
• B. It is a final yearly activity
• C. It replaces instruction
• D. It is optional

Answer: (A)

Ongoing assessment helps you see what children can do, what they’re ready to learn next, and where they’re struggling, so you can plan with purpose. By watching and gathering evidence from daily activities and work samples, you identify specific areas where kids need more practice or different supports. That information lets you tailor lessons—adjusting materials, grouping students by readiness, and providing targeted prompts or extensions—so each child is challenged at the right level. You can set clear, achievable goals based on what you’ve observed and design the next lessons to move children toward those goals. This continuous feedback loop keeps instruction responsive and relevant.

It’s not something you do once a year, it doesn’t replace instruction, and it isn’t optional. It’s woven into daily practice, guiding how you differentiate instruction and structure future lessons.