What is a criterion-referenced score?

A criterion-referenced score is designed to measure a student's performance based on specific criteria or standards, rather than comparing them to the performance of their peers. This means that the score reflects how well an individual student has achieved particular learning outcomes or mastery of a specific skill or content area. This type of assessment is often used to inform educators about whether a student has met the predetermined expectations for understanding or skill acquisition.

By focusing on individual performance against clearly defined benchmarks, criterion-referenced assessments provide valuable information for instructional decisions, helping educators identify areas where a student may need additional support or enrichment. This approach is essential for individualized education programs, where understanding a student's proficiency in relation to specified goals is crucial.