Standardized testing involves using testing instruments that are administered and scored in a pre-established standard or consistent manner. There are two types of standardized testing instruments: norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests. The former testing instruments yield scores that compare the examinee’s scores to that of a representative sample (the normative group) of same-age or grade peers. The latter type of testing instrument involves comparing an examinee’s score to a predetermined criterion (such as a school curriculum).
- How do you calculate mean, median, mode, and standard deviation?
- What are percentile ranks, standard deviations, z scores, T scores, and stanine scores?
- How can you improve reliability and validity in testing?
- What do results of achievement, aptitude, and diagnostic tests tell teachers?
- How would you prepare students (and yourself) for taking standardized tests?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of alternative forms of assessment such as portfolios?
