Which of the following best describes norm-referenced tests?

Norm-referenced tests are specifically designed to assess an individual's performance in relation to a predefined group called the norm group. This method allows for comparisons between the test taker's performance and that of others who have taken the same test. The results are typically reported in terms of percentiles or standard scores, indicating how a student's performance ranks relative to the average performance of their peers.

Such tests provide valuable insights into how an individual's abilities stack up against those of a representative sample of the population. This comparative approach is essential for understanding a student’s relative strengths and weaknesses and helps in making informed decisions regarding instruction or intervention.

The other options describe different types of assessments. For example, criterion-referenced tests evaluate performance against specific learning objectives or criteria rather than comparing to a norm group. Tests designed to gauge knowledge against national standards focus on measuring against established benchmarks rather than a comparative group. Finally, assessments measuring skill acquisition over a school year involve tracking progress over time rather than focusing on a snapshot comparison to peers.