How can a teacher best use the results of a criterion-referenced test?

The results of a criterion-referenced test are particularly valuable for assessing students' mastery of specific knowledge or skills. This type of assessment measures how well a student has learned particular content against predetermined benchmarks or standards, rather than comparing them to the performance of other students.

By focusing on whether students have achieved the learning objectives outlined for the test, teachers can pinpoint areas of strength and weakness in their students’ understanding. This allows for more targeted instruction and interventions tailored to help individual students or groups master those specific skills or concepts. The emphasis on mastery aligns with the goal of ensuring that all students have the foundational knowledge they need to succeed in future learning endeavors, as opposed to merely comparing them to their peers or determining average performance levels.