If a normative test shows students are performing poorly, what should be investigated?

Investigating the alignment of the curriculum with assessments is crucial when a normative test indicates that students are performing poorly. This step helps ensure that the content and skills being taught in the classroom are directly reflected in the assessments given to students. If there is a misalignment, students may struggle on tests not because they lack ability, but because they have not been adequately prepared for the specific content or types of questions that are assessed.

Effective instruction is grounded in a curriculum that matches the assessments, so this investigation can highlight areas where instruction may need to be adjusted or where the curriculum itself might require modification to better meet educational standards and testing requirements. This alignment fosters a better understanding of what is expected from students and ultimately enhances their performance in assessments, guiding instructional practices to support student success.