What kind of tests focus on student performance relative to a specific curriculum?

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to measure student performance against a predefined set of criteria or learning standards related to a specific curriculum. The primary aim of these assessments is to determine whether students have achieved the specified outcomes or competencies required by that curriculum. This type of testing allows educators to understand how well students are mastering the material, providing clear benchmarks for what learners are expected to know and be able to do after instruction.

In contrast, norm-referenced tests evaluate a student's performance in relation to the performance of a larger group, typically a national sample, rather than against specific curriculum standards. Standardized tests can include both criterion-referenced and norm-referenced elements, but they are broadly meant to ensure consistency in administration and scoring across different populations. Dynamic assessments focus on a student's potential for learning and the process of learning rather than confirming mastery of a specific curriculum, emphasizing how a student learns rather than what they have learned.