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A criterion-referenced test measures a child’s skills and knowledge against a set standard, rather than comparing their performance to other children. It helps determine what a child knows or can do at a certain point in their development.
How is Criterion-Referenced Testing different from other tests?
Unlike norm-referenced tests, which compare kids to a group, Criterion-Referenced Testing focuses on whether your child has mastered specific skills.
When is Criterion-Referenced Testing used?
It’s often used in special education to help tailor Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to a child’s unique learning needs.
Can Criterion-Referenced Testing help my child's teacher?
Yes, it gives teachers precise data to understand where a child might be struggling and where they excel, helping them to adapt teaching methods accordingly.
A criterion-referenced test is a standardized assessment tool that evaluates an individual’s performance against a predetermined set of criteria or learning standards. The test results indicate whether the person has achieved mastery of the specific knowledge or skills being measured. Criterion-referenced tests are often used in educational settings to assess student learning and guide instructional decisions.
Criterion-referenced tests are valuable tools for assessing and supporting kids with special needs:
| Test Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standardized administration | Ensures consistent and reliable results |
| Predetermined criteria | Measures mastery of specific skills or knowledge |
| Individual scoring | Focuses on the child’s own performance, not comparison to peers |
By providing objective data on a child’s abilities, criterion-referenced tests help parents and educators work together to support success.
This post was originally published on August 27, 2023. It was updated on May 9, 2024.
