You make some good points about the distinction between norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests, but I disagree with your characterization of the latter. The problem with norm-referenced ...

Standardized testing has practically become a tradition within the American school system. But why? How did standardized assessment become such a big part of education? How does it really work?

Standardised tests - such as those often referred to in primary schools as the Sigmas, Micras and Drumondras - routinely attract bad press, not least at this time of year when 2nd, 4th and 6th class ...