Testing Terminology

Experts often throw around words about testing and measurement that most people don't understand. Here's what some terms mean:

Norm-Referenced Tests Standardized tests that compare test-takers in broad areas of learning. A student's score is tested against the scores of a group of people who have already taken the exam, called "the norming group." Most are multiple-choice exams. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Stanford Achievement Test are examples. Scores are usually reported as percentile ranks but also can be reported in "stanines," short for "standard nines," a way to score based on a nine-point standard scale.

Criterion-Referenced Tests Standardized tests that compare a student's score with a predetermined standard of acceptable performance. Scores are not compared with other students'. These are sometimes called "standards-based tests." Examples include most state achievement tests.

Achievement vs. Aptitude Achievement tests are designed to measure specific skills and knowledge in key academic subjects that students are supposed to learn based upon their school system's curriculum. Aptitude tests are designed to try to judge a person's abilities -- not their body of knowledge.

Assessment vs. Accountability Assessment means measuring with various instruments the learning and performance of students. Accountability means measurable proof that teaching and learning is being done. There are big questions about what constitutes measurable proof.

Assembled from FairTest, a nonprofit group that opposes overemphasis on testing, and Sylvan Learning Center, a provider of tutoring services.