What characterizes a criterion-referenced assessment?

A criterion-referenced assessment is defined by its focus on measuring student performance against specific, predefined criteria or learning objectives rather than comparing students to each other or using arbitrary standards. This type of assessment determines whether students have learned a particular set of skills or knowledge based on established benchmarks.

By using clear criteria, educators can provide targeted feedback about a student's understanding and mastery of the material, allowing for more personalized instructional decisions. The goal is to assess whether individual students have achieved the expected levels of proficiency, not how they stack up against their peers. This approach is particularly beneficial in creating tailored learning experiences that meet each student's educational needs.

Other approaches mentioned, such as measuring performance against peers or relying solely on standardized testing, do not reflect the essence of criterion-referenced assessments, as they focus either on relative performance or too narrow a view of assessment. Additionally, using arbitrary standards undermines the objectivity and clarity that criterion-referenced assessments aim to provide.