A test used to determine whether the test taker has the fundamental prerequisites needed to benefit from a particular instructional program. Such tests are sometimes used to determine whether young children have the pre-reading skills needed for beginning formal reading instruction. Historically, such tests sometimes were used to determine whether [..]

A score scale to which raw scores are converted to enhance their interpretation. Examples are percentile ranks, standard scores, and grade-equivalent scores.

 The process of identifying the scores (cut scores) on a score scale that define the starting and ending points of various performance levels used for reporting test performance. For example, the process is used to determine the lowest score that could be obtained to categorize performance as “pass” rather than “fail”. (See also performance levels. [..]

A test that requires some judgment or subjectivity in the scoring process. Examples include essay tests, writing assessments, and other types of performance assessments. (See also objective test.)

BACK A psychological characteristic or trait that usually is the target when testing. Examples are achievement, intelligence, academic aptitude, and attitude. (See also construct).

A change made in a standard test-administration procedure to reduce or remove the influence of a test taker's disability on the assessment process. Examples include extended testing time limits and having certain tests read aloud. When implemented appropriately, such changes do not alter the meaning of the scores. (See also modification).

A program, often legislated, that attributes the responsibility for student learning to teachers, school administrators, and/or students. Test results typically are used to judge accountability, and often consequences are imposed for shortcomings.

The extent of knowledge or skill possessed by a student within some specific area of the school curriculum, such as mathematics, science, or writing. ​

A set of ordered descriptions of levels of competence or achievement (for example, low to high) that is used for classifying student test performance. An example of one set is: "Basic", "Proficient", and "Advanced". (See also proficiency levels and performance levels). ​

A computer-administered test in which the next item or set of items selected to be administered depends on the correctness of the test taker’s responses to the most recent items administered.