How are scores typically reported in criterion-referenced assessments?

In criterion-referenced assessments, scores are typically reported as percentages to indicate the extent to which a student has mastered a specific set of standards or criteria. This reporting format is effective because it allows educators, students, and parents to understand exactly how well a student has performed relative to a predefined set of learning objectives.

For instance, if a student scores 85% on a criterion-referenced test, it signifies that the student correctly answered 85% of the questions, demonstrating their proficiency regarding the content that was assessed. This percentage is directly tied to the learning goals, making it clear what the student knows and is able to do, rather than comparing the student’s performance to others, which is the case in norm-referenced assessments where percentiles might be used.

Choosing percentages allows for a clear, straightforward interpretation of a student's work, facilitating targeted feedback and improvement strategies based on specific learning criteria.