Formative Assessment - Norm referenced assessment and ipsative assessment.

Within formative assessment there are norm referenced assessment, criterion referenced assessment and “ipsative” assessment. Assessment defined as “Non reference” is where a learner is compared to another set of learners. An example of this “diagnostic” approach is CATS tests where learners are measured against an average for their age group.

These tests are used to plan and predict achievement at key stage 3 and 4. The process of “Ipsative” assessing is a method of comparing assessment from past and present performance. This is a process I use for all my classes where levels and grades are recorded and analysed. These levels will be used by learners’ to identify targets and allow the teacher to illustrate progression when comparing it to a future assessment. Criterion assessment allows a process where learners’ achievements are measured against a predefined set of objectives or criteria and provides a retrospective view of the learners’ progress. All three methods allow the teacher and learner to show continuing progression and achievement.