What is a main benefit of criterion-referenced tests?

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to evaluate a student's performance against specific learning objectives or criteria, rather than comparing their performance to that of other students. The main benefit of these types of tests is that they highlight areas where a child has mastered certain skills. By focusing on whether students meet established standards, educators can identify strengths and weaknesses in specific knowledge or skill areas. This targeted insight allows for tailored instruction, helping teachers to provide more effective support and resources based on each student's individual learning needs.

In contrast, the other options refer to broader performance assessments or comparative evaluations that do not align with the primary function of criterion-referenced tests. For instance, providing a general overview of performance lacks the specificity needed to understand mastery of particular skills or objectives, and comparing individual performance across different schools emphasizes relative achievement rather than mastery of set standards. Similarly, assessing fitness for competitive exams is not the focus of criterion-referenced tests, which aim more at individual skill mastery than preparation for competitive evaluation.