What is the primary purpose of a diagnostic assessment in education?

The primary purpose of a diagnostic assessment in education is to assess whether a student is understanding or struggling with specific content or skills. This type of assessment provides educators with in-depth insights into a student's prior knowledge, learning gaps, and specific areas that may require additional support or intervention. By identifying these areas, teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of their students, helping to enhance learning outcomes.

Diagnostic assessments differ from other types of assessments because they are focused specifically on understanding the learner's current level of proficiency rather than measuring overall achievement or performance. This approach allows for targeted instructional strategies that can better support student learning and growth.