Which of the following best describes the outcomes of diagnostic assessments?

Diagnostic assessments are specifically designed to gather information about students' prior knowledge and skills, allowing educators to identify individual strengths and areas that need improvement. By providing a clear picture of students' current understanding, these assessments serve as a foundational tool for teachers to plan effective instruction tailored to meet the needs of their students.

This targeted approach enables teachers to develop lesson plans, instructional strategies, and interventions that are aligned with the specific challenges or gaps identified through the assessment. In essence, the data gleaned from diagnostic assessments guides the instructional process, helping to ensure that teaching is relevant and directed toward improving student outcomes. Thus, option D accurately captures the primary function of diagnostic assessments in the educational context.