Which of the following describes summative assessments?

Summative assessments are designed to evaluate students' learning at the end of an instructional unit or course. They provide a comprehensive look at what students have learned and how well they have attained the learning objectives. The primary purpose of summative assessments is to measure student performance against a predetermined set of standards or learning goals. This type of assessment typically occurs at the conclusion of a unit or academic year and is often used for grading purposes.

While the other options describe important aspects of assessment practices, they do not specifically define summative assessments. For example, assisting in setting learning goals relates more to formative assessments, which are intended to help guide teaching and learning throughout the instructional process. Ongoing feedback is also characteristic of formative assessments, where teachers continuously gauge student understanding and adjust instruction accordingly. Similarly, peer assessment and feedback involve students evaluating each other's work, which is typically part of formative assessment strategies aimed at promoting collaborative learning. In contrast, summative assessments focus on evaluation after learning has occurred, making them distinctly different from the other assessment types mentioned.