What does a percentile rank indicate in the context of assessments?

A percentile rank is a statistical measure used to interpret a student's performance on an assessment in relation to a normative sample. When a student receives a percentile rank, it indicates the percentage of scores in the normative group that fall below the student's score. For example, if a student has a percentile rank of 75, it means that they scored higher than 75% of the students in the normative sample, placing them in the top 25%. This comparative perspective helps educators and clinicians understand how an individual's performance relates to a broader group, providing context for the student's achievements and helping to inform instructional decisions.

The other options focus on different aspects of assessment: raw score comparison relates to the actual score obtained; achievement level pertains to the proficiency or mastery of content; and assessment reliability deals with the consistency and dependability of the test results. Percentile ranks specifically focus on comparison to the normative sample, making this the most appropriate interpretation within the context of assessments.