What does a standardized or norm-referenced assessment compare?

A standardized or norm-referenced assessment is designed to evaluate a child's performance by comparing it to the performance of a larger, representative group of peers who are of similar age and developmental level. This comparison helps stakeholders, such as educators and psychologists, understand how the child’s abilities and behaviors measure up against established norms. By using a norm-referenced approach, it is possible to identify whether a child is performing at, above, or below expectations relative to their age group.

This type of assessment is particularly valuable in educational and developmental contexts because it provides insights into a child's relative standing within a normative population, which can inform decisions about interventions, supports, and further assessments. The data generated from such assessments help in understanding patterns of development and can illuminate areas where a child may need additional resources or support.

In contrast, other assessment types focus on individual progress or specific criteria, and therefore do not provide the broader context of how a child's performance compares to typical developmental milestones.