What does 'criterion-referenced assessment' test for?

Criterion-referenced assessment specifically measures whether students understand particular content or have acquired specific skills as defined by the educational standards or learning objectives. This type of assessment allows educators to determine if each student has met predetermined criteria for success, focusing on individual performance concerning the defined expectations rather than comparing performance across a group.

For instance, a criterion-referenced test might evaluate if students can solve certain types of math problems or comprehend a specific reading level. The results reveal how well each student has achieved the learning goals, enabling targeted instructional adjustments and interventions where necessary. This focus on specific competencies is what distinguishes criterion-referenced assessments from other types, such as norm-referenced assessments, which analyze student performance in relation to a broader population.