What does a norm-referenced test allow?

A norm-referenced test is designed to compare an individual's performance to a group of peers. This allows educators and administrators to determine how well a student is performing relative to others within the same grade or age range.

The key characteristic of norm-referenced tests is that they establish a framework for interpretation of scores based on the distribution of scores from a representative sample of other students. This comparison helps identify students who may be above, below, or at grade level in terms of knowledge and skills.

The other options address aspects that are typically associated with other types of assessments. For instance, evaluating individual learning progress is more aligned with criterion-referenced tests, which focus on a student's performance against specific learning objectives rather than their peers. Similarly, measuring a student's mastery in specific subjects tends to use standardized assessments designed explicitly for that purpose. Analysis of testing conditions does not neatly fit within the context of norm-referenced assessments, as it pertains more to the circumstances surrounding the administration of the test rather than the comparative evaluation of student performance.