Criterion-referenced test
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A criterion-referenced test is one that provides for translating the test score into a statement about the behavior to be expected of a person with that score. By contrast, with a norm-referenced test, the translated score tells where the person stands in some population of persons who have taken the test. The same test can be used in both ways, as the ACT provides both a ranking, and indication of what level is considered necessary to likely success in college.<ref>Cronbach, L. J. (1970). Essentials of psychological testing (3rd ed.). New York: Harper & Row.</ref> Robert Glaser originally coined both terms.<ref>Glaser, R. (1963). Instructional technology and the measurement of learning outcomes. American Psychologist, 18, 510-522.</ref>
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[edit] Alternative views
When passing a standards based assessment is required for a high school diploma or Certificate of Initial Mastery, it is known as a high stakes test or high school graduation examination.<ref>Homeschool World: "The new tests must be what are called "high-stakes tests" (you lose a lot if you fail to pass)..."</ref>
Criterion referenced tests have been referred to as standards-based assessments by some education agencies.<ref>Assessing the Assessment of Outcomes Based Education by Dr Malcolm Venter. Cape Town, South Africa. "OBE advocates a criterion-based system, which means getting rid of the bell curve, phasing out grade point averages and comparative grading".</ref> Some tests set a standard that have failed 50 to 80 percent of students at the outset,<ref>[1] AIMS 2005: Everyone's Passing, but Is Anyone Learning? by Vicki Murray Goldwater Institute Today's News July 14, 2005 "Every year since 1999, the state has lowered AIMS passing scores or made content easier. Despite those efforts, about 60 percent of high school students taking AIMS for the first time failed in 2002, 2003, and 2004."</ref> a higher, not lower failure rate than is possible with standard definition of 50 percent falling below average.
[edit] Notes and references
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