What is meant by "criterion-referenced assessment"?

Criterion-referenced assessment refers to a type of evaluation that measures student performance against a defined set of standards or criteria, rather than comparing students to one another. Such assessments are designed to determine whether each student has achieved specific learning goals and competencies.

This approach is beneficial because it provides a clear framework for both students and educators, emphasizing mastery of the content and skills expected at a particular grade level or in a specific course. For example, if a student is assessed on their understanding of math concepts, the assessment would measure whether the student meets the specific educational benchmarks for those concepts.

In contrast, assessments that compare students against each other lack this clear standard, which can lead to an emphasis on competition rather than individual achievement. Similarly, tests without predetermined standards do not provide a basis for measuring performance in relation to specific learning goals. Finally, subjective assessments may incorporate personal judgment and interpretation, which can vary significantly from one evaluator to another, rather than adhering to objective criteria for student evaluation.