What type of assessment compares a student's performance to a predetermined standard?

• A. Norm-referenced Assessment
• B. Criterion-referenced Assessment
• C. Formative Assessment
• D. Summative Assessment

Answer: (B)

A criterion-referenced assessment measures a student's performance against a predetermined standard or specific learning objective, rather than against the performance of a group of peers. This type of assessment allows educators to determine whether students have mastered particular skills or knowledge based on clearly defined criteria or benchmarks. For instance, in a criterion-referenced assessment, a student could be assessed on their ability to solve a specific type of math problem, and the evaluation would indicate whether they have met, exceeded, or not met the expectations set forth in the standards. This gives both educators and students clear insights into where they stand in relation to the defined learning goals, facilitating targeted instruction and interventions if necessary.

In contrast, while norm-referenced assessments compare a student's performance to that of a peer group, formative assessments are ongoing checks for understanding during the learning process, and summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period. Each serves different purposes in the educational landscape, but the focus of criterion-referenced assessments is specifically on measuring against set standards.