Which term refers to the assessment procedure that does not compare students with one another but measures mastery of specific objectives?

The term that refers to the assessment procedure which measures mastery of specific objectives, without comparing students against each other, is criterion-referenced assessment. This type of assessment is designed to evaluate whether each student has met a predefined set of learning objectives or standards.

In a criterion-referenced assessment, the focus is on the individual student's performance in relation to specific criteria, such as what they are expected to know or be able to do by the end of a given instruction period. This allows educators to determine if students have achieved the desired level of understanding or skill mastery based on clear benchmarks, rather than ranking them in comparison to their peers.

Such assessments are particularly useful for identifying students' strengths and weaknesses relative to defined learning goals, providing valuable information for instructional planning and individualized support. By giving a clear picture of a student's capabilities against established criteria, criterion-referenced assessments help ensure that all students are being evaluated based on the same standards, promoting equitable learning opportunities.