{"id":22394,"date":"2024-07-04T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-04T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/?p=22394"},"modified":"2024-08-20T07:47:36","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T14:47:36","slug":"norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/2024\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Norm- vs. criterion-referenced in assessment: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_hero-e1720032740936.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_hero-e1720032740936.png 850w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_hero-e1720032740936-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_hero-e1720032740936-768x270.png 768w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_hero-e1720032740936-720x253.png 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Suppose someone asked you to answer, in one word, what an assessment should ultimately provide. What would you say? Maybe \u201cresults?\u201d Or \u201cdirection?\u201d Or, better yet, \u201ctruth?\u201d Though there are no wrong answers, here at NWEA we would probably say, \u201cclarity.\u201d (Though \u201ctruth\u201d is a very close second!) Why? Because without a clear picture of where a student is, determining effective next steps for growth usually means guessing. Clarity is essential. The same is true for commonly used phrases, like \u201cnorm- vs. criterion-referenced in assessment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We think it\u2019s important to clarify any misinformation that\u2019s circulating through the assessment world. The idea of \u201cnorm- vs. criterion-referenced tests\u201d has been making the rounds once again and it\u2019s worth setting the record straight. So let\u2019s get right to it: The first thing you should know about this subject is there is no such thing as a &#8220;norm-referenced test.\u201d Or a &#8220;criterion-referenced test.\u201d And certainly not a &#8220;norm- and criterion-referenced test.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1.5rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think this is a really large fundamental assessment literacy piece that is very misunderstood by many, many people,\u201d says Adam Wolfgang, director of product management at NWEA. \u201cThe idea of there being an assessment that is either criterion- or norm-referenced is a myth. The assessment itself is neither.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1.5rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Norm- vs. criterion-referenced: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth about all of this is that \u201cnorm-referenced\u201d and \u201ccriterion-referenced\u201d refer to ways to compare student scores, not tests. A norm-referenced comparison looks at a student\u2019s performance in relation to that student\u2019s peers while a criterion-referenced one gauges a student\u2019s performance based on grade-level proficiency. Just about any major assessment available today uses both norm- and criterion-referenced measurements. Let\u2019s take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/map-growth\/\">MAP\u00ae Growth\u2122<\/a> as an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of MAP Growth\u2019s questions are intentionally written to be aligned to individual state standards. (For more on this, I encourage you to read our white paper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/research\/publication\/map-growth-linking-studies-intended-uses-methodology-and-recent-studies\/\">\u201cMAP Growth linking studies: Intended uses, methodology, and recent studies.\u201d<\/a>) So each question is querying if a student knows the content required for grade-level proficiency\u2014a criterion-based measurement. The full results of the assessment (for MAP Growth, the <a href=\"https:\/\/connection.nwea.org\/s\/article\/What-is-the-RIT-scale?language=en_US\">RIT<\/a> score) are then compared to students who are similar to our test taker\u2014a norm-referenced comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>There is no such thing as a &#8220;norm-referenced test.\u201d Or a &#8220;criterion-referenced test.\u201d And certainly not a &#8220;norm- and criterion-referenced test.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When we start looking at what is behind those comparisons, there are definitely important differences between assessments. For example, MAP Growth regularly tests the most students, so that norm-referenced comparison (between students) draws from the world\u2019s largest pool of student data. But, again, almost every assessment out there uses both norm- and criterion-referenced measurements. Focusing on this can become a serious distraction from two much more important questions we should be asking: How much can you trust your assessment? Can your assessment effectively guide instruction? Let\u2019s explore the answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Question 1: How much can I trust my assessment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MAP Growth assessments are intentionally calibrated to balance precision, the length of the assessment, and its ability to diagnose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualAssessmentIngredients.jpg\" alt=\"Three circles represent the critical ingredients for an assessment: precision, time\/length, and ability to diagnose.\" class=\"wp-image-22397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualAssessmentIngredients.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualAssessmentIngredients-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualAssessmentIngredients-768x270.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualAssessmentIngredients-720x253.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1.5rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This balance is designed to provide the most accurate information in approximately 43 questions, or a class period. We could easily double the number of questions but have instead designed our balance in response to what educators have clearly told us: assessments need to provide accurate information <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/reliability-and-accuracy-how-map-growth-measures-up\/\">within a reasonable amount of time<\/a>\u2014especially for younger students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This balance is also important because of its precision and ability to diagnose. For example, if a student tested with MAP Growth both today and tomorrow, the results would be within three points on the <a href=\"https:\/\/connection.nwea.org\/s\/article\/What-is-the-RIT-scale?language=en_US\">RIT scale<\/a>. Other tests fall in the 9\u201310 point range, which is a substantial enough difference to prompt incorrectly placing students in an intervention program. Educators trust MAP Growth because it\u2019s accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Question 2: Is my assessment data useful for making decisions about instruction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>NWEA president Chris Minnich is known for saying, \u201cA test alone never changed a kid\u2019s life. It\u2019s what happens after the test that matters.\u201d This is the key, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Case studies from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/large-and-diverse-california-district-personalizes-learning-for-every-student\/\">large<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/a-little-pennsylvania-district-makes-big-gains-using-reliable-actionable-data\/\">small<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/rural-colorado-school-credits-map-growth-for-dramatic-improvement-in-student-achievement\/\">rural<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/trustworthy-insights-spur-a-groundbreaking-teaching-model-in-dayton-public-schools\/\">urban<\/a> districts continually show how MAP Growth informs actionable next steps. But there\u2019s actually a deeper question here, about choice: Does your assessment let teachers use their expertise to choose what to do with the data? Or are you locked into a predetermined, one-size-fits-all path?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualInstructionalConnections.jpg\" alt=\"A visual shows how after students take MAP Growth, the results are securely transferred to instructional connection providers, which, in turn, personalize content for kids based on their assessment scores. Students can then complete personalized instructional activities.\" class=\"wp-image-22398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualInstructionalConnections.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualInstructionalConnections-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualInstructionalConnections-768x270.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2024\/07\/norm-vs-criterion-referenced-in-assessment-what-you-need-to-know_850x300_visualInstructionalConnections-720x253.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe in choices here, and we know our partners do, too. That\u2019s why there is a seamless connection from MAP Growth to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/instructional-connections\/\">widest range of learning tools<\/a> from over thirty of the world\u2019s leading instructional providers. Here\u2019s how it works:<br>You know how to best meet the needs of your students. We\u2019re here to help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/resource-center\/resource\/proven-trusted-and-adaptive-the-map-growth-difference\/\">get the best information<\/a> to move your students forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s important to you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s finish up here with one final question: If you had only three words to describe qualities you value most in an assessment or instructional provider, what would those words be? There are no wrong answers, of course, but what we have talked about here might be pertinent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clarity<\/strong> from truthful, helpful information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trust<\/strong> in accurate results that value your time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choices <\/strong>that respect your knowledge and expertise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, thank you so much for everything you do every day to move your students forward and prepare them for their next great adventure. And, OK, one last question that I am not even going to bother to answer because it is so obvious: Is there anything more important?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Suppose someone asked you to answer, in one word, what an assessment should ultimately provide. What would you say? Maybe \u201cresults?\u201d Or \u201cdirection?\u201d Or, better yet, \u201ctruth?\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":22401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The phrase \u201cnorm- vs. criterion-referenced in assessment\u201d is confusing. There\u2019s no such thing as a norm- or criterion-referenced test.","footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[637],"grade_level":[],"product":[835],"theme":[],"coauthors":[{"id":142,"name":"Monica Rodr\u00edguez, NWEA","link":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/author\/mrodriguez\/","avatar_urls":{"24":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-Monica-headshot-24x24.jpeg","48":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-Monica-headshot-48x48.jpeg","96":"https:\/\/www.nwea.org\/blog\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cropped-Monica-headshot-96x96.jpeg"}}],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.14 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Norm- vs. criterion-referenced in assessment: What you need to know - Teach. Learn. Grow.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The phrase \u201cnorm- vs. criterion-referenced in assessment\u201d is confusing. 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