FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In what type of tests are student performances compared to a norm group?

1. Criterion-referenced tests

2. Subjective assessments

3. Norm-referenced tests

4. Performance-based assessments

The correct answer is: Norm-referenced tests

Norm-referenced tests are designed specifically to compare a student's performance against a norm group, which is a representative sample of test-takers. This comparison allows educators to interpret a student's score by understanding their performance relative to that of their peers, often resulting in percentiles. These tests often focus on measuring knowledge or skills within a specific subject area, providing insights into how well a student is doing in the context of a wider population. In contrast, criterion-referenced tests evaluate a student's performance based on a set standard or criteria, rather than against other students. Subjective assessments rely on the teacher's judgment and interpretation, emphasizing qualitative measures that might not allow for direct comparison. Performance-based assessments focus on students demonstrating their skills through tasks or projects, which indicates improvement or mastery of specific skills rather than comparing scores to a norm group. Thus, norm-referenced tests stand out for their explicit goal of measuring individual achievement relative to a broader student population.