Which assessment type includes tests that compare scores among students from various backgrounds?

A norm-referenced test is designed specifically to compare an individual's test scores to a larger group or population, which typically includes students from various backgrounds. This type of assessment provides insights into how a student's performance compares to that of their peers, allowing educators to gauge relative achievement levels. Norm-referenced tests often use statistical data from a representative sample to create a normative score, which helps identify where a student stands in relation to others.

In contrast, a criterion-referenced test measures a student's performance against a defined set of standards or criteria, focusing more on whether they have met specific learning objectives rather than how they compare to others. Fluency checks and informal reading inventories are tools used for specific instructional purposes and do not focus on comparison across a broader population. These assessments serve different goals, primarily related to individual student development rather than relative scoring among diverse groups.