FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which component of assessment allows measuring student performance against specific criteria?

1. Formative assessment

2. Norm-referenced assessment

3. Criterion-referenced assessment

4. Summative assessment

The correct answer is: Criterion-referenced assessment

The component of assessment that allows measuring student performance against specific criteria is criterion-referenced assessment. This type of assessment evaluates an individual’s performance based on predetermined standards or specific learning objectives, rather than comparing them to the performance of other students. It provides a clear understanding of what a student knows and can do relative to the skills or knowledge defined by the criteria. This is particularly useful in educational settings, as it helps educators identify whether each student has met the learning goals and objectives set for a particular course or subject area. This focus on explicit standards enables targeted feedback and can inform subsequent instruction, helping students recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. Other types of assessments serve different purposes. For instance, formative assessment is typically used for ongoing evaluation throughout a learning process to improve instruction and student learning, while summative assessment evaluates student learning at the end of an instructional unit. Norm-referenced assessment compares a student's performance to that of a peer group, which does not involve specific criteria for measuring achievement.