What is the primary focus of criterion-referenced assessments?

The primary focus of criterion-referenced assessments is to evaluate what a student has mastered. These assessments are designed to measure a student's performance against specific learning objectives or standards, rather than comparing them to the performance of other students. This means that the results indicate whether a student has achieved certain skills or knowledge, providing clarity on their strengths and areas needing improvement.

In this context, the intention is to identify individual mastery in content areas, allowing both educators and students to understand specific competencies that have been achieved or require further development. This personalized insight helps tailor instruction to meet the needs of each learner more effectively. Therefore, criterion-referenced assessments play a critical role in guiding individualized learning paths and ensuring educational goals are met according to predetermined criteria.