Summative assessments can either support or challenge unfair differences in education.

Supporting Unfair Differences

• Access to Help: Students from less privileged backgrounds may not have access to things like tutoring, computers, or study materials. This can make it harder for them to do well on assessments.
• Cultural Bias: Sometimes, tests and assessments are based on certain cultural ideas and values. This can leave some students feeling out of place and at a disadvantage.

Challenging Unfair Differences

• Standardized Tests: These tests aim to measure everyone in the same way. If done right, they can help all students compete fairly.
• Various Assessment Methods: Using different ways to assess students can reveal their strengths and abilities, helping to create a fairer environment.

In short, how summative assessments are created and used is very important. It can either keep unfair differences going or help change them.