What is a key limitation of norm-referenced tests?

The key limitation of norm-referenced tests is that they do not provide specific feedback on individual skills. These tests are designed to compare a student's performance to that of a normative group, which means that the results are interpreted in relation to the performances of others rather than to specific skill mastery or learning objectives. As a result, while you can determine whether a student is above or below average, the test does not give detailed information on the particular areas where the student excels or struggles. This lack of specific feedback can hinder targeted intervention strategies and personalized learning plans that are essential for addressing individual student needs.

The other choices focus on different aspects that do not accurately represent the primary limitation of norm-referenced tests. For example, norm-referenced tests can be applied across varied educational subjects and typically follow standardized procedures, meaning that they do not rely on subjective grading methods as much as other types of assessments. Lastly, they can often be adapted for use in different educational systems, even if caution is needed regarding cultural relevance and norm group applicability.