FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What does criterion-referenced assessment measure?

1. Students against standard performance norms

2. Student performance against personal growth

3. Students against common uniform objectives

4. Individual understanding of context in reading

The correct answer is: Students against common uniform objectives

Criterion-referenced assessments measure student performance against specific, predetermined standards or learning objectives, rather than comparing them to the performance of other students. This approach is designed to evaluate whether each student has achieved a certain level of proficiency in a specific area of knowledge or skill based on established criteria. In this context, "common uniform objectives" refers to the shared goals or expectations outlined by educational standards, such as those set by state tests or curricular guidelines. By focusing on these common benchmarks, criterion-referenced assessments allow educators to identify whether individual students meet the expected outcomes. This method contrasts with norm-referenced assessments, which compare an individual student's performance to that of a broader group, and student growth assessments, which look at progress over time rather than absolute mastery of content. Understanding how criterion-referenced assessments operate is crucial for designing effective evaluations and interpreting student performance in relation to specific learning goals.