Criterion-referenced tests are best used to evaluate what?

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to assess a child's performance against specific, predetermined standards or learning objectives. This means that rather than comparing a child's performance to that of their peers or to a broader population, the focus is solely on whether the child meets certain criteria or outcomes that have been established.

For example, if educational standards dictate that children should be able to count to 20 by the end of a certain grade, a criterion-referenced test would measure whether the child has achieved that specific skill. This type of assessment allows educators to identify areas where a child may need additional support or enrichment, ensuring that each child meets the necessary benchmarks in their education.

In contrast, other options focus on comparisons either to other students or to average performance, which does not align with the purpose of criterion-referenced assessments. The emphasis is on individual achievement rather than norm-based comparisons.