[NIFL-ASSESSMENT:150] RE: norm vs criterion

From: Donna Miller-Parker (dmiller@ctc.edu)
Date: Fri Jul 12 2002 - 17:51:43 EDT


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From: "Donna Miller-Parker" <dmiller@ctc.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-assessment@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:150] RE: norm vs criterion
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You will undoubtedly hear from others more expert than I -- but here goes:
A "norm referenced" test compares an examinee's scores to a group that took
the test and provided "normal" scores.  The TABE test, which provides grade
levels, is a norm-referenced test.  It tells you how an examinee performs
compared to that group.  With norm-referenced tests, it's very important to
know who was in the norming group.  Was the test normed with adults or with
school chilren? To whom is the examinee being compared?

A "criterion-referenced" test compares the examinee to a set of criteria
rather than a group of testers.  The CASAS test is criterion-referenced.  It
determines how many and which test items were answered correctly, and then
results are reported in terms of which skills a student has or does not
have.

Of course, you can interpret and analyze the results of both -- you can look
at the TABE test and learn which skills a student does/does not have, and
you can look at a CASAS score and compare it to other examinees at the same
level.  That's the simple answer -- now others can refine it!

Donna Miller-Parker, Director
Essential Skills Programs
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA  98133
(206) 546-4788


-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-assessment@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-assessment@nifl.gov]On
Behalf Of Dianna Baycich
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 2:02 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:149] norm vs criterion


Hello All,
After eavesdropping on various conversations (yes, I'm like that) I have
some questions about assessment issues that I'd like to have clarified for
my own benefit and so I can explain them correctly to others. Here's my
first:
What is the difference between norm referenced and criterion referenced
assessments?
Is one "better" than the other?
What are some examples?
Thank you,
Dianna Baycich
OLRC
330-672-7841
1-800-765-2897 x27841
dbaycich@literacy.kent.edu

When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not
- Mark Twain



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