What does a 'normative assessment' primarily involve?

A normative assessment primarily involves comparing individual performance to national performance standards. This type of assessment is designed to evaluate how a student's performance stacks up against a representative sample of the population, typically reflecting the performance of peers across a wide geographical area. The focus is on understanding where an individual stands in relation to others, which can provide valuable insights into their academic standing and help identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

For example, when students take standardized tests that are norm-referenced, their scores are interpreted based on how well the average student performs. This comparison can help educators identify trends, assess the effectiveness of instructional methods, and make informed decisions regarding curriculum and instructional strategies.

While other assessments have different purposes—such as measuring specific skills or guiding instructional strategies—normative assessments specifically center on that comparison to broader performance benchmarks, which helps in making data-driven decisions about student support and educational planning.