Q&A National Standards
*Q&A provides the latest information from the Ministry of Education about the National Standards
Q. What is the difference between criterion referenced assessment and norm referenced assessment?
National Standards are descriptions of the foundation learning all students need at different points in schooling to meet the demands of The New Zealand Curriculum.
The descriptions are supported by examples which illustrate important characteristics. They are also supported by assessment tasks and tools.
Assessment tasks and tools are designed for different purposes.
For assessments that are criterion referenced, descriptions, illustrations, and criteria are used to judge the quality of student work in relation to a given standard.
Assessments that are norm referenced allow teachers to compare their student’s progress with others in the class or with others in the country.
Norm referenced assessments are based on what the average student of a given age can do. Criterion referenced assessment in relation to National Standards relates to what all students should be able to do, to be on track to achieve NCEA level 2.
“Student assessment information that is related to clear standards can promote a flow of information that is the lifeblood of improvement.”
(Dr. Rick Stiggins, Founder of the Assessment Training Institute.)