Assessments

Today we learned about different kinds of assessments and their purposes. Norm-based, Criterion-based, and Curriculum based assessments.

Norm-based assessments are standardized, more rigid tests used to compare students to the norm for their age group. They are summative tests that are strict and scripted. The Woodcock Johnson III falls under this category.

Criterion-based assessments are tests that are used at the end of a unit or grading period to assess knowledge of a topic that has already been taught. These assessments are also summative and are given in a group setting. The UBSCT, end-of-level tests, and CRTs are Criterion-based tests. In these tests students are compared to criteria. These are a bit less strict than norm-based tests.

Curriculum-based assessments are the most sensitive of the three kinds of assessments. They are formative and are very useful in helping the teacher assess the progress of the student while teaching is still in progress. This should be the first line of defense when there are concerns about a student's progress in the normal curriculum. CBAs compare students to the curriculum. They are given more often and test reading fluency. They can be made by teachers.

We practiced administering the Woodcock Johnson III Achievement Test in class. This test is a Norm-based achievement test which is extremely standardized. There is a strict script to follow, and specific rules for the administration.