What is the difference between norm-referenced scores (scaled scores) and criterion-referenced scores (proficiency classifications)?
Norm-referenced scores (scaled scores) derive their meaning from comparisons of the scores of one student or group of students with those of another or the same student or group of students at different points in time. Most test results are reported as norm-referenced scores. Criterion-referenced scores (proficiency classifications) measure the level of proficiency students obtained on a certain skill set. These scores have meaning of their own — without other scores to compare against — but can be used to make comparisons between students or groups of students. The ETS® Proficiency Profile provides criterion-referenced scores of proficient, marginal and not proficient for three skill areas: reading/critical thinking, writing and mathematics. For more information, refer to the Scores section.
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