Among reading comprehension assessments, which type compares a student's scores to the average scores of peers from the same population?

• A. Norm-referenced state test
• B. Criterion-referenced test
• C. Formative assessment
• D. Diagnostic assessment

Answer: (A)

Comparing a student's performance to how similar peers perform is the idea behind norm-referenced assessments. In this approach, a student’s reading comprehension score is interpreted against a normative sample—students of the same age or grade. This lets you see where the student stands relative to the average performance of their peers, often shown as percentile ranks or standard scores. It’s about relative standing within a population, not whether a specific target has been met.

By contrast, criterion-referenced assessments measure whether the student has achieved defined reading goals or standards. Formative assessments focus on ongoing progress to guide instruction, and diagnostic assessments identify particular strengths and weaknesses to plan interventions. So, the type that uses peer comparison to determine relative standing is norm-referenced.