Criterion-referenced

Definition

Criterion-referenced assessments measure a student's performance against a predefined set of standards or criteria, rather than comparing it to other students. This approach focuses on whether the student has achieved specific learning goals, allowing educators to evaluate individual progress and mastery of content. By aligning assessments with clear learning objectives, criterion-referenced assessments provide valuable information for both instruction and evaluation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Criterion-referenced assessments provide specific feedback on student mastery of learning objectives, making them useful for guiding instructional decisions.
2. These assessments can take various forms, including quizzes, tests, performance tasks, and portfolios, all designed to measure specific skills or knowledge.
3. The results from criterion-referenced assessments help teachers identify areas where students may need additional support or enrichment.
4. Unlike norm-referenced tests, criterion-referenced assessments do not rank students but rather indicate whether each student has met the established criteria.
5. Educators often use criterion-referenced assessments in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to track progress and inform decisions regarding special education services.

Review Questions

• How does criterion-referenced assessment differ from norm-referenced assessment in evaluating student performance?
  • Criterion-referenced assessment evaluates student performance based on specific learning objectives and predefined criteria, focusing on whether the student has achieved mastery of the content. In contrast, norm-referenced assessment compares a student's performance to that of their peers, ranking students based on their scores. This distinction is important because criterion-referenced assessments provide clearer insights into individual learning needs and instructional effectiveness.
• Discuss how criterion-referenced assessments can inform instructional practices for teachers.
  • Criterion-referenced assessments provide teachers with detailed information about what students know and can do relative to specific learning objectives. By analyzing the results, educators can identify which skills or concepts students have mastered and which areas need further development. This feedback allows teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students and ensure that all learners are progressing toward achieving the established criteria.
• Evaluate the impact of using criterion-referenced assessments in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Using criterion-referenced assessments in developing IEPs is crucial because these assessments align closely with individual learning goals tailored to each student's unique needs. They help educators monitor progress over time and determine if students are meeting their specific objectives. This data-driven approach not only supports targeted instruction but also ensures that decisions regarding special education services are based on concrete evidence of student growth and achievement.

Related terms

Norm-referenced: Assessments that compare a student's performance to that of a norm group, providing insight into how well a student performed relative to peers.

Standardized testing: Tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner across different schools or districts, often used for large-scale assessment purposes.

Learning objectives: Specific statements that describe what students are expected to learn and achieve by the end of a lesson or course.