What type of assessment allows for the most comprehensive understanding of student capabilities in diverse subjects?

Performance assessments that vary by modality provide a comprehensive understanding of student capabilities across diverse subjects because they allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various ways. These assessments can include projects, presentations, portfolios, and performances, catering to different learning styles and intelligences. This diversity in assessment format enables educators to capture a broader range of student competencies, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.

In contrast, standardized tests often focus on a narrow set of knowledge and skills, primarily assessing students' ability to recall information rather than apply it in real-world contexts. Single format tests limit the scope of assessment to one method, which can overlook students who may excel in areas that standardized formats do not measure. Weekly quizzes typically assess knowledge retention over short periods and may not capture a student's overall understanding or holistic skill set in a subject. Therefore, performance assessments that differ by modality are invaluable for portraying a well-rounded picture of what students can do in various subject areas.