You make some good points about the distinction between norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests, but I disagree with your characterization of the latter. The problem with norm-referenced ...

Unlike norm-referenced tests, which rank test-takers relative to one another, G-TELP is criterion-referenced, meaning results reflect whether a test-taker meets explicit, level-specific proficiency ...

As in past years, I find myself studying the Maryland School Assessment Home Report with little understanding of what MSAs really mean and how the standards for basic, proficient and advanced levels ...

Criterion-reference as opposed to norm-reference applies to the scores from a test and not to the content or format of a test, hence it is proper to refer to criterion-referenced scores or measures ...