Which assessment method is often used for high-stakes evaluations?

Summative assessment is the correct response, as it is specifically designed to evaluate student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period. This type of assessment measures the extent to which students have met learning objectives and is often used in high-stakes situations, such as standardized tests or final exams, where the results can significantly impact a student's academic trajectory or school accountability measures.

In contrast, formative assessments are typically ongoing and are used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback to improve teaching and learning. Peer assessment involves students evaluating each other's work, which is valuable for collaborative learning but not primarily geared towards high-stakes evaluation. Portfolio assessment comprises a collection of student work that demonstrates learning progress and achievements over time, used more for growth evaluation than for high-stakes decisions. Thus, summative assessment distinctly identifies student proficiency after the learning has taken place, making it the method most commonly associated with high-stakes evaluations.