(Iowa Assessments and CogAT) A normative period is a period of time, typically a school semester or season (fall, midyear, or spring), for which comparative data (norms) are available. When you select the test event date, DataManager determines the corresponding normative period so that the correct norms are applied to the test results. For example, if you select a date in September for your test event, and tests are taken within that test event time frame, student scores will be compared to a nationwide group of students who were tested in the fall season.

The table below displays how the Assessments application determines the normative period based on the selected test date.

If you test...	The normative period is...
Between August 1st and November 30th	Fall
Between December 1st and February 28th or 29th	Midyear
Between March 1st  and July 31st	Spring

 

See also: quartermonth norm