How do assessment results inform instructional decisions?

The correct choice emphasizes that assessment results play a crucial role in identifying both strengths and weaknesses in student learning. This information is essential for teachers as it guides their instructional decisions. By understanding where students excel and where they struggle, educators can tailor their teaching strategies, differentiate instruction, and provide targeted support. This process ensures that instruction is more aligned with student needs, promoting better learning outcomes.

Formative assessments, for instance, allow educators to gather feedback on student understanding throughout the learning process rather than after a unit of study is complete. This ongoing evaluation enables adjustments to instruction in real-time, fostering a more responsive learning environment.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of how assessments inform instruction. For instance, identifying only top-performing students does not provide a comprehensive view needed for effective teaching. Relying solely on summative evaluations overlooks the benefits of formative assessments and the information they provide throughout the learning process. Likewise, focusing solely on student behavior ignores the academic performance metrics derived from assessments that are also vital for instructional planning.