Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) Practice Exam

Which type of assessment focuses on individual student performance irrespective of others?

1. Criterion-referenced tests

2. Informal assessments

3. Standardized exams

4. Formative assessments

The correct answer is: Criterion-referenced tests

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to measure a student's performance against a set of predefined criteria or learning standards rather than comparing that student to the performance of their peers. This approach allows educators to determine whether individual students have mastered specific skills or content, making it highly focused on individual achievement. It ensures that assessments are tailored to what a student is expected to know and be able to do, providing valuable insights into their understanding and progress. In contrast, while other types of assessments may consider individual student outcomes, they often incorporate comparative elements. For instance, standardized exams assess students against a common benchmark while comparing their performance to a broader population. Informal assessments tend to be more qualitative and may lack a strict reference to established criteria. Formative assessments are generally used to monitor learning progress and guide instruction, which may involve relative performance but focus more on ongoing development over time.