What aspect of student progress does ongoing assessment primarily focus on?

Ongoing assessment is centered on the immediate and continuous monitoring of student progress. This approach enables educators to gather real-time data about a student's learning and development, allowing for timely adjustments to instruction and interventions. By frequently assessing a student's understanding and skills, educators can identify areas of strength and need, which is crucial for supporting diverse learners in a special education setting.

This continuous feedback loop helps ensure that instruction is responsive to individual student needs, enhancing learning outcomes and supporting educational goals. Such assessments are integral to the formative assessment process, which aims to inform teaching practice and improve student learning as opposed to solely measuring outcomes at specific points in time. In contrast to long-term assessments or preparations for final examinations, ongoing assessments prioritize the fluid and dynamic nature of learning.