What is the purpose of using informal assessments in special education?

The purpose of using informal assessments in special education is to assess comprehension in a flexible, adaptive manner. Informal assessments allow educators to evaluate a student's understanding, skills, and progress in a way that is tailored to the individual student’s needs and contexts. This approach is beneficial as it offers insights into how a student learns and where they may struggle, without the constraints of standardized testing formats. Such flexibility enables teachers to modify their instructional strategies and interventions to better support the learner's unique profile. This can include observations, work samples, and anecdotal records, all of which can provide rich qualitative data that inform instruction and support.