What is the difference between norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests? What are the weaknesses of each type?

What will be an ideal response?


Norm-referenced tests compare students with a representative sample of others who are at the same age or grade level, normally used for screening and placement. The scores show whether they did as well as the average, better than the average, or below the average, so half the students in a typical group will always score below average. They allow administrators to compare their schools to others, or certain classes to other classes. Weaknesses: They provide only one source of data, invite competition and comparison, don?t assess reading the way it is used, and most important, are often the single or strongest factor in measuring student progress.

Criterion-referenced tests compare students? performance with a particular standard, or criterion. The criterion might be answering a percent of questions correctly, having a passing score on a basal reader test, obtaining a certain point on a curriculum-based level, or reaching a particular standard on a state test or NAEP test. Weaknesses: The criterion is set arbitrarily and can be too high or too low, and these tests often do not assess reading skills and strategies in the way students actually use them.

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_____________ are used to interpret a child’s performance in relation to specific curriculum objectives

a. Curriculum-based assessments b. Criterion-referenced assessments c. Standardized tests

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Emerging literacy is not a valid assumption because children naturally become literate by growing up in the average home

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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In what part of a lesson plan are alternative instructional strategies most readily apparent?

a. The procedures section c. The goal or purpose section b. The instructional materials section d. The evaluation procedures section

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When examining student samples of work in practicing subtraction of whole numbers, what should teacher expect to find and then do to help the student?

What will be an ideal response?

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