Which assessment type is based on content and measures specific criteria?

The type of assessment that is based on content and measures specific criteria is criterion-referenced assessment. This approach focuses on evaluating whether students have met defined standards or learning objectives within the content area. It assesses student performance against a specific set of criteria or benchmarks, rather than comparing scores to a normative population.

For instance, when a student takes a criterion-referenced test, the purpose is to determine how well they have mastered the material or skills being assessed, such as a state's academic standards for a particular grade level. This is particularly useful for educators to identify areas where students are excelling or may need additional support, as it provides clear insights into individual performance relative to established goals.

Other assessment types, such as normative assessments, focus on comparing a student's performance to that of a larger group to determine relative standing or performance. Validity and reliability, while essential concepts in educational measurement, refer to the accuracy of what the assessment measures and the consistency of the results over time, respectively, rather than specific content-based criteria. Thus, criterion-referenced assessment is the correct choice for measuring specific learning outcomes against defined standards.