Chapter 2: Methods of Assessment and
Testing Considerations
Brief Summary
The focus of Chapter 2 is to discuss various formal versus informal methods of assessment. After
reading this chapter you should understand the following:
▪ Norm-Referenced Tests
▪ Intended Purposes of Norm Referenced Tests
▪ Standardization
▪ Concerns with Standardized Testing
▪ Criterion-Referenced Tests
▪ Standards-Referenced Tests
▪ Ecological Assessment
▪ Curriculum-Based Assessment (CBA)
▪ Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
▪ Dynamic Assessment
▪ Portfolio Assessment
I. Norm-Referenced Tests
A. Norm-referenced tests
B. Norm group
C. Basal levels
D. Ceiling levels.
E. Norming group
F. Standardization
G. Standardized tests
H. Concerns and criticisms of standardized testing
II. Informal Assessment
A. Criterion-Referenced Tests
B. Standards-Referenced Tests
C. Ecological Assessment
D. Curriculum Based Assessment (CBA)
E. Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM)
F. Dynamic Assessment
G. Portfolio Assessment
H. Authentic/Naturalistic
I. Performance-Based Assessment
J. Task Analysis
K. Outcome-Based Assessment
L. Learning Styles Assessment
III. Selecting an Appropriate Instrument
IV. Limitations of Testing
Essays
▪ Discuss norm-referenced tests. In your essay be sure to mention what the terms basal and ceiling
mean. Finally, address the concerns and criticisms of standardized tests.
▪ Discuss what makes a criterion-referenced test different from a norm-referenced test. In your
essay, give an example of a criterion referenced type of test.