Education K-12 Educational Assessment & Testing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments?
- Norm-referenced tests are harder than criterion-referenced tests
- Norm-referenced tests compare students to a norming group; criterion-referenced tests measure mastery of defined standards (Correct answer)
- Criterion-referenced tests are only used in special education
- Norm-referenced tests are used only for college admissions
Correct answer: Norm-referenced tests compare students to a norming group; criterion-referenced tests measure mastery of defined standards
Norm-referenced tests (e.g., SAT) rank students relative to peers; criterion-referenced tests (e.g., state exams) measure against a fixed standard.
Question 2: What does 'validity' mean in educational assessment?
- The consistency of results across repeated administrations
- The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure (Correct answer)
- Whether a test is approved by the state
- The difficulty level of test questions
Correct answer: The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure
Validity refers to the accuracy of inferences drawn from test scores — does the test actually measure the intended construct?
Question 3: What does 'reliability' mean in educational assessment?
- Whether the test is fair for all students
- The consistency of test scores across repeated administrations or different raters (Correct answer)
- How long it takes students to complete the test
- Whether the test is aligned to state standards
Correct answer: The consistency of test scores across repeated administrations or different raters
Reliability means a test produces stable, consistent results — if given twice under the same conditions, scores should be similar.
Question 4: What is a 'summative assessment'?
- A daily check for understanding
- An assessment administered at the end of a unit or course to evaluate overall learning (Correct answer)
- A peer review activity
- A teacher observation checklist
Correct answer: An assessment administered at the end of a unit or course to evaluate overall learning
Summative assessments evaluate cumulative learning at the end of an instructional period and are often used for grading.
Question 5: What is a 'portfolio assessment'?
- A single high-stakes test at the end of the year
- A collection of student work over time used to demonstrate growth and achievement (Correct answer)
- A teacher's evaluation of classroom performance
- An oral presentation graded with a rubric
Correct answer: A collection of student work over time used to demonstrate growth and achievement
Portfolios compile student artifacts across a period of time to provide evidence of learning, growth, and self-reflection.
Question 6: What is 'high-stakes testing' in the K-12 context?
- Tests taken at a high desk for security reasons
- Assessments whose results carry significant consequences for students, teachers, or schools (Correct answer)
- Tests that cost schools a large amount to administer
- Competitive academic tests like the SAT
Correct answer: Assessments whose results carry significant consequences for students, teachers, or schools
High-stakes tests (e.g., state accountability exams) affect grade promotion, graduation, school ratings, or teacher evaluations.
Education K-12 Educational Assessment & Testing 1
What is the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments?