Which of the following best describes the purpose of norm-referenced testing?

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The purpose of norm-referenced testing is to determine how a student performs compared to peers. This type of assessment allows educators to understand a student's relative standing within a specific group, providing insights into where a student ranks in comparison to others who have taken the same test. This is particularly useful in identifying students who may require additional support or challenge, as well as informing instructional decisions based on comparative data.

Unlike assessments that focus on absolute performance or criteria-based measures, which evaluate whether a student has met a specific set of learning standards, norm-referenced tests highlight the differences in performance among a group of students. This comparative approach can help educators diagnose learning needs, make decisions about resource allocation, and understand the broader performance trends within a classroom or school.