What are norm-referenced assessments?
Norm-referenced refers to standardized tests that are designed to compare and rank test takers in relation to one another. Norm-referenced scores are generally reported as a percentage or percentile ranking. Norm-referenced tests are designed to rank student performance on a relative scale—i.e., in relation to the performance of other students (Edglossary 2014).
SATSAT Assessments are designed to assess your academic readiness for college. It is the most widely used college entrance exam. The test evaluates students in reading, math, and writing. They measure the skills required for success in the 21st century. The test show colleges what you know and can do. The test is usually given to junior and seniors in high school. The questions are rigorously researched and tested to make sure students from all backgrounds have an equal chance to do well (College Board 21015).
In Education - SAT Assessments are used to determine whether students are prepared for college- level course work. The students and colleges can get information about how they apply thinking, writing, and study skills in their course work. It is also used by colleges to place students in the proper classes, based on student scores. Strengths - SAT Assessments are many colleges can share the results. Students do not have to take multiple college entrance test. They are an indicator of how a student will perform in their course work. Based on the scores, students could be placed in higher level classes. High test scores, can help students obtain scholarships. Weaknesses - SAT Assessments are the price of the test, discourages low-income families from taking it. Some students take the test several times to improve their score. Those students who can afford it, take preparation courses, which is a disadvantage to those who can’t afford to. There is some debate on whether taking these courses really reflects what the students know. The SAT questions ask questions that favor a particular learning style. It is not applicable to diverse learning (Grayson 2015). Technology - Technology plays a significant role in taking the SAT. It measures how well you are able to respond to a writing prompt, dealing with real world situations. Students are given 25 minutes to type their writing prompt. They must exhibit some knowledge of 21st Century ideas. They must know how to use technology to research a variety of topics to gain knowledge that they might use on the SAT. Visit: Pros and Cons of the SAT Test College Board - SAT Terra NovaTerra Nova is a standardized norm-referenced achievement test. It measures higher order thinking skills, as well as basic and applied skills. The delivery method of this test is paper and pencil. It consist of some constructed-response and selected-response. The Terra Nova measures a common framework of national standards.
In Education - The Terra Nova measures students’ abilities in the core subject areas. Reports from the test are used to drive instruction. The reports also offer instructional activities based on the individual needs of the students, which the teacher can use in the classroom. The Nova can be given to students grades 1st-12th. Strengths - the reports that are obtained show student progress toward specific state standards. It examines the strengths and weaknesses in students. The assessments mirror the look and feel of state exams. Assessments can facilitate student learning. The constructed response allows students to show their own work. Weaknesses - The Terra Nova is not used in every state. Only some states are being compared nationally. The testing could last a few hours, or potentially all day. This could lead to student frustration in students who have reading difficulty. Students that are easily distracted or can’t sit for long periods of time will have difficulty as well. Technology - Technology is not required in taking the Terra Nova. Web Quests are available for teacher and student use to help students with skills they are weak in. Technology tools are required in order to access the Web Quest activities. |
Iowa Tests of Basic SkillsIowa Tests of Basic Skills or ITBS is a group administered, nationally normed standardized test. It provides a comprehensive assessment of student progress in major content areas. This test can be given to students K-12, but typically administered K-8. Test takers performance are compared to others in the nation. It compare’s students abilities rather than to a criteria.
In Education - the test allows educators to trace achievement growth. It provides data that can drive remediation and prepare students for other assessments. Data can help teachers create an effective learning environment. Strengths - ITBS data can be obtained quickly. It can help teachers decide on learning objectives. The time limit is 30 minutes for each test. Weaknesses - ITBS have time limits. Students who read and process at a slower rate don’t do well with time limits. Test protocols are strict and must be adhered to. Technology - The importance of technology is that students must be skilled enough to use electronic sources. Teachers must prepare students to apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information ISTE 2007) Visit: ISTE Standards Stanford 10 OnlineStanford 10 Online is a nationally normed, achievement test. This taken can be taken on the computer at a set time. This test is an untimed, multiple choice assessment. The format is easy-hard-easy, to promote student engagement and test completion. There is a full battery test, and an abbreviated version.
In Education - The Stanford 10 Online evaluates students in grades 3-12. The full battery test measures students Lexile levels. Lexile levels help to determine the student’s reading ability. This helps the teacher to match reading materials with appropriate difficulty for the students. Test questions assess all core content areas. Strengths - The Stanford 10 Online contains the real time reporting and scoring. There are no test booklets to pack and ship. Teachers can monitor student progress. Content is aligned to state and national standards. The online assessment is good for students who work best on the computer. The test is not timed. Practice tests are provided online. Weaknesses - The Stanford 10 Online must be administered by the test provider. All computers need to meet system requirements. Students must complete each session code, delivered on that day. Technology - Technology skills play a major role in teachers administering the test, and students taking the test. Students must be knowledgeable on how to apply online tools. Students should be able to evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks (ISTE 2007). Visit: ISTE The California Achievement TestThe California Achievement Test or CAT is a nationally normed standardized test that measures achievement in the areas of Reading, Language Arts and Math. It meets most state requirement for homeschool and private schools.
In Education - Grades 2 and 4-12 are tested. This test is primarily used for home schooled students. It is used to assess the reliability of instruction received in a home setting. It test Reading, Language Arts and Math. It takes 2 ½ hours to administer. Strengths - The CAT can be administered to home schooled students to help meet legal requirements. The test can be taken online or on a print version. Practice test can be given, with limited answers available. The test can be taken on computers or tablets. Weaknesses - The CAT test is expensive compared to other tests. Some states do not accept the test as a legal requirement. Some tests require a proctor. Students may not be comfortable taking the test with a group, or someone they don’t know. Dependable high speed Internet is required. This could be a challenge for some families. Some grades need speakers for the computers. Technology - Technology skills are required to complete the CAT test. Students must possess basic computer skills in order to be successful in completing the test. The test is great for students who use computers frequently, and feel confident with the tools they may need. Visit: CAT Review |
References
California Achievement (CAT) Online (2015). Retrieved June 10, 2015 from http://cathyduffyreviews.com/testing-special-needs/CAT-test-online.htm
Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://edglossary.org/hidden-curriculum
Grayson, L. (2015). Pros and cons of the sat test. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/pro-cons-sat-test-22871.html
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (2012). Retrieved June 9, 2015 from https://brighted.funeducation.com/Practice/Iowa-Test-of-Basic-Skills-ITBS
ISTE Standards Students (2007). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from www.iste.org/standards
Stanford 10 Online. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://www.setontesting.com/stanford-10-online/
What are Terra Nova Test. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://www.teach-nology.com/edleadership/assessment/terranova.html
Why take the test (2015). Retrieved June 9, 2015 from https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat/why-take-the-test
California Achievement (CAT) Online (2015). Retrieved June 10, 2015 from http://cathyduffyreviews.com/testing-special-needs/CAT-test-online.htm
Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://edglossary.org/hidden-curriculum
Grayson, L. (2015). Pros and cons of the sat test. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/pro-cons-sat-test-22871.html
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (2012). Retrieved June 9, 2015 from https://brighted.funeducation.com/Practice/Iowa-Test-of-Basic-Skills-ITBS
ISTE Standards Students (2007). International Society for Technology in Education. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from www.iste.org/standards
Stanford 10 Online. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://www.setontesting.com/stanford-10-online/
What are Terra Nova Test. Retrieved June 9, 2015 from http://www.teach-nology.com/edleadership/assessment/terranova.html
Why take the test (2015). Retrieved June 9, 2015 from https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat/why-take-the-test
Grand Canyon University
TEC538
Blue Group
Diane Olmstead - Diagnostic
Ruben Urquidez - Formative
Katherine Webb - Summative
Millicent Connor - Norm-referenced
Christopher Murphy - Criterion-referenced
TEC538
Blue Group
Diane Olmstead - Diagnostic
Ruben Urquidez - Formative
Katherine Webb - Summative
Millicent Connor - Norm-referenced
Christopher Murphy - Criterion-referenced