standardized (adjective) the same for everyone

• Sample Sentence: In many states, high school students must pass a standardized test to graduate.

• Turn and Talk: Should there be a standardized curriculum for all students in the U.S.?

assess (verb) to judge the quality of; to evaluate

• Sample Sentence: Many tests assess students’ ability to write, read critically, and do challenging math.

• Turn and Talk: How do you assess whether a friend is still upset with you after you’ve had an argument?

criteria (noun) standards or rules used to make a decision

• Sample Sentence: Keisha met all the criteria in her math class and earned an “A” for the semester.

• Turn and Talk: What are your criteria for deciding that a movie or book was excellent?

correspond (verb) to match

• Sample Sentence: Standardized tests might not correspond to what some students were taught in a particular school.

• Turn and Talk: Do you think your grades correspond with the amount of effort you put into your classes?

formulate (verb) to invent by thinking about

• Sample Sentence: Each year testing companies formulate new exams.

• Turn and Talk: Do you formulate better ideas in a group or by yourself? Explain.