Diagnostic tests are typically used to assess what?

Diagnostic tests are specifically designed to assess students' specific skills or knowledge areas. These tests help educators identify particular strengths and weaknesses in students’ understanding of a subject. For example, in mathematics, a diagnostic test might focus on areas such as fractions, decimals, or geometry, allowing teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. This targeted approach is essential for effective teaching and learning since it provides insight into which concepts need to be reinforced or retaught, leading to improved academic outcomes.

The other choices, while related to educational assessments, do not accurately capture the primary purpose of diagnostic tests. Assessing general intelligence is broader and not the focus of a diagnostic test. Evaluating overall class performance speaks to a summative assessment rather than identifying individual learning gaps. Meanwhile, measuring potential for future academic success is more aligned with predictive assessments, not a detailed evaluation of specific skills at a given time.