Norm referenced tests are used to compare and rank test takers to one another. This is determined by comparing scores against the performance results of a group of test takers with typically the same characteristics as same age or grade level, who have previously taken the exam (Great Schools Partnerships, 2015). These tests have been used for many years in education to assess children in need of special education services using best practices associated with norm-referenced tests. There are legal requirements for each test administered to students and each state usually has their own set of requirements, and only an approved set of individuals has access to these test results.
Best Practices
When practitioners evaluate a child, a common way of doing so is through the use of norm-referenced tests; meaning that the answers the tests conclude are based on the average score of those most similar to the child. When we think about the best possible practice of implementing a norm-referenced test, it is important to consider the validity and the reliability of the scores on the test (McCauley, 1996). To determine the validity, the test must demonstrate that it is measuring what it is said to be measuring (Andersson, 2004). It is equally as important that each test is administered in the exact same way to ensure validity. This is …show more content…
Horace Mann, as Secretary of the Board of Education, helped Massachusetts become the first place where this occurred. While this was occuring growth in the U.S. called for universal schooling. As more kids were attending secondary schools, attention was drawn to lost income of families who sent their children to school and money spent by taxpayers, as such demands for proof that the time and money was being used efficiently arose. This led to looking at achievement tests, instead of age, to group students (U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment,
Best Practices
When practitioners evaluate a child, a common way of doing so is through the use of norm-referenced tests; meaning that the answers the tests conclude are based on the average score of those most similar to the child. When we think about the best possible practice of implementing a norm-referenced test, it is important to consider the validity and the reliability of the scores on the test (McCauley, 1996). To determine the validity, the test must demonstrate that it is measuring what it is said to be measuring (Andersson, 2004). It is equally as important that each test is administered in the exact same way to ensure validity. This is …show more content…
Horace Mann, as Secretary of the Board of Education, helped Massachusetts become the first place where this occurred. While this was occuring growth in the U.S. called for universal schooling. As more kids were attending secondary schools, attention was drawn to lost income of families who sent their children to school and money spent by taxpayers, as such demands for proof that the time and money was being used efficiently arose. This led to looking at achievement tests, instead of age, to group students (U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment,