Norm-Referenced vs. Criterion-Referenced Assessments: Implications for College Admissions

Read chapter 2
https://www.thetaminusb.com/intro-measurement-r/measurement.htmlT
hink about the difference between norm-referenced and criterion referenced assessments. What type of assessment is the ACT? SAT? GRE? In your opinion, which type of assessment is best to use in college admissions decisions? Is it appropriate for colleges and graduate programs to have minimum cut-off scores when reviewing standardized test scores in the admissions process? How would you recommend that scores from admissions tests be incorporated into admissions decisions? Be sure that your answer is thorough, scholarly and grammatically correct. Your initial post must be a minimum of 200 words.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Key Concepts

• Norm-Referenced Assessments: Compare a student’s performance to a group of peers (e.g., percentile rankings).
• Criterion-Referenced Assessments: Measure a student’s performance against a fixed standard (e.g., passing a competency test).

Step 2: Identify the Type of Assessment

• ACT, SAT, and GRE are norm-referenced tests because they rank test-takers relative to others rather than measuring mastery of specific knowledge.

Step 3: Analyze Which Type is Best for College Admissions

• Pros of Norm-Referenced Assessments:
  • Allow comparison among applicants.
  • Predict potential academic performance.
  • Provide a standardized metric across different schools.
• Cons of Norm-Referenced Assessments:
  • May favor students with test-taking skills or access to prep resources.
  • Can overlook holistic qualities such as leadership, creativity, and resilience.
• Pros of Criterion-Referenced Assessments:
  • Assess mastery of specific academic skills.
  • Could ensure minimum competency in required areas.
• Cons of Criterion-Referenced Assessments:
  • Less effective for ranking applicants in a competitive admissions process.

Step 4: Discuss Minimum Cut-Off Scores

• Arguments For Cut-Off Scores:
  • Ensures a baseline level of academic readiness.
  • Helps narrow down large applicant pools.
• Arguments Against Cut-Off Scores:
  • Disadvantages underrepresented groups who may not have access to test prep resources.
  • Ignores other important factors like extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

Step 5: Recommend a Balanced Approach

• Use standardized test scores as one factor among many (GPA, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations).
• Consider test-optional policies to increase equity.
• Use holistic review to assess the full potential of an applicant rather than relying solely on a test score.

Step 6: Ensure Scholarly Writing & Proper Formatting

• Support your discussion with credible sources (peer-reviewed journals, educational research studies).
• Use APA citations and references for any sources used.
• Proofread for clarity, grammar, and organization.

By following these steps, you’ll craft a well-reasoned, scholarly response to this complex educational debate!

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