FTCE Physical Education K-12 Practice Test

Criterion-referenced tests interpret scores by comparing them to what?

1. Scores of others

2. A predetermined standard

3. The average scores of a class

4. Teacher's expectations

The correct answer is: A predetermined standard

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to evaluate a student's performance based on a defined set of standards or predetermined criteria, rather than by comparing their scores to those of other students. This means that each student's score is interpreted according to their ability to meet specific objectives or standards that have been established prior to the test. For instance, in a physical education context, a criterion-referenced test might assess whether a student can perform a particular skill at a certain level, such as running a mile in under a certain time or demonstrating a specific technique correctly. This approach allows educators to determine whether students have achieved the necessary competencies as defined by the established benchmarks, making it particularly useful for understanding individual progress and mastery of content. It is distinct from norm-referenced assessments, which rank students against one another and can be influenced significantly by the performance of the group as a whole. Thus, the focus on a predetermined standard ensures a clear and objective evaluation of student performance based solely on the set expectations, making it a valuable tool for educators aiming to assess individual student learning outcomes effectively.