National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Which type of assessment would best assist school officials with placement decisions for a new sixth grader?

1. Aptitude test

2. Cognitive abilities test

3. Summative test

4. Diagnostic test

The correct answer is: Diagnostic test

A diagnostic test is specifically designed to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in various areas of knowledge and skills. For school officials making placement decisions for a new sixth grader, this type of assessment provides valuable insights into the student's current level of understanding and skill in subjects such as math, reading, and writing. By pinpointing where a student may require additional support, or where they excel, educators can make more informed and targeted placement decisions that align with that student's educational needs. In contrast, an aptitude test typically measures the potential for future learning or performance in specific areas, rather than providing a direct assessment of current skill level. Cognitive abilities tests evaluate general intelligence and reasoning skills but do not focus specifically on subject knowledge. Summative tests, on the other hand, assess what students have learned after an instructional period, making them less effective for initial placement decisions since they do not provide the diagnostic information needed for tailoring instruction to new students. Thus, the use of a diagnostic test is the most suitable approach for effectively determining the educational placement of a new sixth grader.