When evaluating a culturally diverse student, when are translated norms considered?

• A. Consider translated norms when available
• B. Always ignore translated norms
• C. Only use English norms
• D. Translate all tests regardless

Answer: (A)

Interpreting test scores for culturally diverse students relies on using norms that match their language and cultural background. Norms are a reference point showing how a test-taker’s score compares to a similar group. When a translated version of a test exists with normative data from a population that shares the student’s language and cultural context, those translated norms provide a fairer baseline and reduce bias that can come from using English-language norms with someone who is not fully proficient in English.

If translated norms are available, they should be used to interpret the result because they better reflect how someone from that cultural-linguistic group typically performs on the test. If no translated norms exist, other approaches—such as using nonverbal measures or multiple data sources and applying careful, culturally responsive interpretation—are appropriate rather than defaulting to English norms alone or translating everything without validated norms.