What is the purpose of norm-referenced testing?

The purpose of norm-referenced testing is primarily to determine percentiles, which refers to evaluating how an individual's performance compares to the performance of a larger group, typically a representative sample of the population. This type of testing allows for the assessment of where a specific score stands in relation to the norms established by the testing group, essentially indicating the individual's ranking or position relative to others.

Norm-referenced tests are designed to classify students and provide a way to compare their scores, which can help educators and administrators understand an individual's performance in a broader context. This offers valuable insight into the typical range of scores for a particular demographic and helps identify students who are performing above or below the expected standard.

While diagnosing learning disabilities, assessing personal growth, and predicting future outcomes are important aspects of educational assessment, they do not directly align with the primary function of norm-referenced testing, which is to establish relative performance based on standardized norms. By focusing on percentiles, educators can make informed decisions regarding instruction, interventions, and resource allocation.