Criterion Referenced Tests are designed to measure students' performance against what?

Criterion Referenced Tests are specifically designed to assess students' performance in relation to predetermined learning standards. This means that the test measures whether students have mastered specific skills or knowledge that are aligned with educational objectives or curriculum standards. By focusing on these standards, the tests help educators determine if students meet the defined criteria for proficiency in a subject or skill area, which is crucial for guiding instruction and improving educational outcomes.

The distinction between criterion referenced tests and other types of assessments, such as norm-referenced tests, is important. Norm-referenced tests compare a student's performance against a peer group or national norms, which is not the case with criterion referenced tests. These other measures emphasize relative performance rather than absolute achievement against specific benchmarks, thus emphasizing the value of mastering defined standards in educational contexts.