Which tests assess whether a student has reached a point of mastery?

Criterion Referenced Tests are designed specifically to measure a student's performance against a predetermined set of standards or criteria, rather than comparing it to the performance of other students. This type of assessment allows educators to determine whether a student has mastered specific skills or knowledge. The emphasis is on what the student can do and whether they meet the established benchmarks for proficiency.

For example, if a state has set standards for reading at a certain grade level, a criterion-referenced test would evaluate a student's skills in relation to those specific reading expectations. This focus provides valuable information on individual student achievement and can guide instruction accordingly.

In contrast, other test types serve different purposes. Norm Referenced Tests compare an individual student's performance to a normative group, providing insights into how a student ranks in relation to peers rather than assessing mastery of specific content. Summative Assessments are generally used at the end of an instructional period to evaluate cumulative student learning, thus they also do not specifically indicate mastery at the point of assessment but rather the overall achievement in relation to learning objectives. Standardized Tests can encompass a variety of assessment types and may include both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced elements; however, they are not solely focused on measuring mastery against specific criteria.

Thus, Criterion Referenced Tests