Norm-referenced tests are exams created by a testing company, with

students scores being compared to the norm of students taking the same test in the
same testing environment with unchanging conditions. Norm-referenced tests
include those taken in Pennsylvania such as the PSSAs and Keystones. After looking
at the scores of Derry Areas Grandview Elementary it was interesting to see the
comparison of those scores at neighboring Blairsville Elementary School.
Grandview Elementary School resides in Westmoreland County, within Derry
Area School District. In this school district, 43.47 percent of students are identified
as being economically disadvantaged, while 12.46 percent of students are grouped
in the enrollment category of special education. In comparison, Blairsville
Elementary School, in Westmoreland County, resides in the Blairsville-Saltsburg
Elementary School. Blairsville Elementary School exhibits 40.3 percent of students
as economically disadvantaged and 16.56 students as special education.
Grandview Elementary School scored 79.53% proficient in the area of
mathematics and 70.70% proficient in the area of reading. Both of these areas
scores are considered average, however, I was surprised that Grandview
Elementary did not score higher, after reviewing the scores of other area schools.
Grandview Elementary could take measures to increase their Norm-Referenced test
scores such as perform diagnostic testing in order to discover difficulties students
may be having, and in turn, provide that student with the remedial help they may
need. Providing Criterion Referenced tests throughout the lesson being presented
can also allow for the teacher to acknowledge what areas may need to be reviewed
or further discussed in order to surge understanding. Increasing student motivation
and engagement in learning may also be a factor that could escalate scores. While
students are the ones being tested, the teachers ability to motivate and engage
students is also an important factor in the testing process.