The primary goal of criterion-referenced tests is to measure students against a specific standard or set of criteria, rather than comparing them to the performance of their peers. These tests are designed to determine whether a student has mastered particular skills or knowledge necessary to achieve definable outcomes. Essentially, they assess an individual's performance against a predetermined benchmark rather than ranking students in relation to each other.
This emphasis on standards means that students can demonstrate their understanding and ability in a specific subject area or skill set without the influence of others' performance. Such assessments are often used in educational settings where mastery of specific competencies is essential, making them invaluable for ensuring educational standards are met and facilitating individualized learning plans.
In contrast, the other options address different assessment objectives, such as comparing student performance or evaluating overall classroom effectiveness, which do not align with the fundamental goal of criterion-referenced testing.