# What are norm referenced tests? What parents need to know about the bell shaped curve (no Stats degree required)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-literacy-keys-dyslexia-resources-and-structured-literacy-tips-by-an-orton-gillingham-tutor-7432659/what-are-norm-referenced-tests-what-parents-need-to-know-about-the-bell-shaped-curve-no-stats-degree-required
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-literacy-keys-dyslexia-resources-and-structured-literacy-tips-by-an-orton-gillingham-tutor-7432659/what-are-norm-referenced-tests-what-parents-need-to-know-about-the-bell-shaped-curve-no-stats-degree-required.md
Podcast: [The Literacy Keys - Dyslexia resources and structured literacy tips by an Orton Gillingham tutor](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-literacy-keys-dyslexia-resources-and-structured-literacy-tips-by-an-orton-gillingham-tutor-7432659)
Published: 2026-03-05T17:24:40+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-literacy-keys/episodes/What-are-norm-referenced-tests--What-parents-need-to-know-about-the-bell-shaped-curve-no-Stats-degree-required-e3g03te
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/107172a70/podcast/play/116444526/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-5%2F6e7fd91f-bd3f-83e4-e6fb-9434b50d6590.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1659

## Resource

If you’ve ever tried to read a comprehensive evaluation, looked at all the norm referenced tests and thought, “Great, now I need a math degree just to read this report,” you are not alone. Trying to Decode the results can feel like a Secret Language. When you look at a thick report of evaluation results, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With terms like norm referenced tests and percentiles, our child is suddenly reduced to a point on a page. I’ve been there, both as a specialist and as a momfighting for my own daughter’s accommodations. The truth is, these tests are simply tools designed to show how your child learns differently, but only if you know how to translate the information into plain English. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in understanding the information and the specific questions to ask to get your child the support they deserve. You’ll learn: how to demystify norm referenced tests why the bell shaped curve is your friend 3 questions to ask the school psychologist Are you ready to turn those test scores into a clear plan of action? Click to book a discovery call or send me a message so wecan figure out the best next steps for your child together. If this episode helped lower your stress levels (even a tiny bit) please share it with one other parent who is staring at a report feeling overwhelmed. Better yet, follow us (or subscribe we’re free) for more jargon-free guidance. Your support helps us empower more parents. Cheers, ⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠ ⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and Tracy's background 01:12 Why understanding test reports is crucial for parents 03:34 What are norm reference tests? A simple explanation 05:30 The bell curve and how scores are compared to peers 07:44 Understanding s…

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