Criterion referenced assessments are typically administered at what points?

Criterion-referenced assessments are designed to determine whether students have mastered specific learning objectives or criteria established for a particular curriculum. They are commonly administered both before and after instruction to measure growth and learning progress.

By assessing students' knowledge and skills prior to instruction, educators can identify the students' baseline proficiency levels. This initial assessment can inform instructional planning and differentiation to ensure that all students receive the appropriate support. After the instruction has taken place, a subsequent assessment allows teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching, as well as the extent to which students have achieved the learning goals.

This twofold approach is essential for monitoring student progress, guiding instruction, and making data-driven decisions in the learning process. While other options may include elements of assessment scheduling, they do not encompass the dual purpose of assessing both prior and subsequent to instruction that is intrinsic to criterion-referenced assessments.