ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

What is one characteristic of criterion-referenced tests?

1. They compare a student's performance to that of peers

2. They assess the mastery of specific skills or knowledge

3. They are primarily used for high-stakes evaluations

4. They measure progress over a long period of time

The correct answer is: They assess the mastery of specific skills or knowledge

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to measure a student's performance based on a fixed set of standards or criteria, rather than comparing students to one another. This means that they focus on assessing whether a student has acquired specific skills or knowledge. The primary goal is to determine if a learner meets the established benchmarks, such as mastering particular concepts or competencies, rather than evaluating performance relative to peers. This characteristic makes these tests valuable for informing instruction and helping learners understand their individual strengths and areas for improvement. In educational contexts, criterion-referenced assessments can be used to indicate whether students can apply what they have learned effectively.