National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

What type of assessment does Ms. Dedmon give to evaluate student mastery of state standards?

1. Criterion-referenced

2. Norm-referenced

3. Formative

4. Diagnostic

The correct answer is: Criterion-referenced

Ms. Dedmon utilizes criterion-referenced assessment to evaluate student mastery of state standards because this type of assessment measures a student’s performance against a predefined set of criteria or learning standards rather than comparing them to other students. In this context, criterion-referenced assessments are specifically designed to determine whether students have achieved specific learning goals established by the state standards. This approach allows educators to clearly identify what students know and can do in relation to these standards, helping to pinpoint areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Such assessments can take the form of standardized tests aligned with state standards or classroom assessments that directly reflect the specific competencies students are expected to master. The other types of assessments mentioned, such as norm-referenced assessments, compare an individual's scores with a reference group, formative assessments are primarily used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback, and diagnostic assessments are aimed at identifying students' strengths and weaknesses prior to instruction, but do not directly measure mastery of specific standards as criterion-referenced assessments do.