What is the focus of a criterion-referenced test?

The focus of a criterion-referenced test is to describe skills relative to a well-defined mastery criterion. These tests are designed to measure whether students have mastered specific skills or knowledge based on predetermined benchmarks or standards. The objective is to assess individual performance against these established criteria rather than comparing a student's performance to that of their peers.

This approach allows educators and stakeholders to identify specific areas where a student excels or may require additional support, providing clear insights into learning outcomes. By utilizing well-defined criteria, such tests promote targeted learning and instructional strategies that can enhance student education.

In contrast, the other answer choices emphasize comparative metrics, such as peer performance and overall educational success, which are not the primary intention of criterion-referenced assessments. These tests are primarily concerned with whether each student has achieved the outlined learning goals, making option B the correct focus of a criterion-referenced test.