Criterion assessments are based on what?

Criterion assessments are based on a set of criteria or specific standards, which serve as a benchmark to evaluate student performance. These assessments aim to determine whether students meet the established expectations for knowledge or skills in a particular subject area, rather than comparing students to one another or relying on subjective measures. This focus on specific standards allows educators to clearly identify whether students have mastered the content and skills necessary for success, making these assessments essential for measuring educational outcomes effectively.

While options that mention a broad range of student performance, randomized testing procedures, and classroom participation have their own merits in various contexts, they do not directly align with the fundamental nature of criterion assessments. Criterion assessments specifically hinge on predetermined standards, which make option B the most accurate choice in this case.