What type of assessment provides a detailed analysis of a student's strengths and weaknesses?

A diagnostic measure is specifically designed to assess a student's current knowledge and skills in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This type of assessment goes in-depth, providing insights that help educators understand the areas in which a student excels and those that may require additional support or intervention. By focusing on the individual student's capabilities, diagnostic assessments can guide instructional strategies tailored to meet their needs effectively.

Norm-referenced tests, on the other hand, compare a student's performance to that of a larger group, which may not pinpoint individual strengths and weaknesses as effectively as diagnostic measures. Screening assessments are often brief and intended to identify students who may be at risk for academic difficulties, but they do not provide the comprehensive analysis found in diagnostic assessments. Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period but typically do not offer detailed insights into specific strengths and weaknesses.

Thus, diagnostic measures stand out as the most suitable type for providing a thorough analysis.