What type of comparison is made in Norm-Referenced assessments?

Norm-referenced assessments compare an individual's performance to a representative sample or group of individuals, which typically includes a range of scores from a population that has previously taken the same assessment. This type of comparison helps educators understand how a student performs relative to others, allowing them to gauge where a student stands on a continuum of achievement. By using this method, it becomes possible to identify students who perform significantly below or above the average, enabling targeted instructional strategies or interventions.

In contrast, other methods of assessment, such as criterion-referenced assessments, focus on whether the student meets predefined standards or criteria. Additionally, looking at a student's past personal performance typically refers to a growth or progress assessment rather than a norm-referenced comparison. Similarly, while comparing with peer performance may seem similar, it often implies a more informal or specific group rather than the broader, norm-referenced sample used for a standardized analysis.