Special Education. Understanding Standardized Tests. The same quantity (or test score) can be expressed using different units of measure.

Transcription

1 Special Education A monthly webinar series on all aspects of Massachusetts special education law brought to you by Understanding Standardized Tests The same quantity (or test score) can be expressed using different units of measure.

2 Length 1 mile = 1,760 yards = 5,280 feet = 63,360 inches = 1, 609 meters Weight 75 pounds = 1,200 ounces = 34 kilograms. Liquid Volume 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints = 16 cups = 128 fluid ounces = 256 tablespoons

3 To Measure Tool Units of Measure Length Ruler mile, yards, feet, inches, meters Weight Scale pounds, ounces, kilograms Liquid Volume Graduated gallons, quarts, pints, cups, cylinder tablespoons Cognitive/Academic Standardized, percentile scores, standard scores, Ability norm-referenced scaled scores tests Standardized, norm referenced tests Standardized Uniform procedures for administration and scoring ensure results from different examiners are consistent. Standardized, norm referenced tests Norm referenced Test developers administered the test to a representative sample of a student population such as all 15 year olds in the United States. This is the norming group.. The score achieved by the greatest number of students in the norming group is set as the average score. Results of norm referenced tests compare a person s score to the scores achieved by the norming group.

4 The Bell Curve Standard Score Subtest Score Percentile < 1% 2% 16% 50% 84% 98% > 99% Rank

5 Using testing to track progress What are we measuring? Academic Achievement What measurement tool are we using? Standardized, norm referenced academic achievement test Woodcock Johnson-III, Weshcler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT). In what unit of measure will results be expressed? Standard Scores Subtest Scores Percentiles Actual Case Data Actual case data Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement III Percentile Scores BROAD READING READING COMPREHENSION MATH REASONING Letter-Word Identification Reading Fluency Passage Comprehension Writing Samples Quantitative Concepts Academic Knowledge

6 < 1% 2% 16% 50% 84% 98% > 99% BROAD READING < 1% 2% 16% 50% 84% 98% > 99% READING COMPREHENSION < 1% 2% 16% 50% 84% 98% > 99% MATH REASONING

7 Conversion Table Standard Subtest Percentile Score Score Rank > > Standard Subtest Percentile Score Score Rank < <1 Future Special Education Webinars Selected Topics I March 1 st IEPs v Section 504 Plans, stay put rights, independent evaluations, least restrictive environment, written notice, disciplinary protections, observation rights, more. Selected Topics II April 5 th Special issues that arise when a student with disabilities reaches the ages of 3, 14, 18 and 22. Litigation at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals May 5 th Attorney Peter Hahn discusses key issues related to litigating special education matters at the BSEA. Areas of Practice Probate Administration Guardianship & Conservatorship Long Term Care & MassHealth Planning Special Needs Planning Estate Planning Special Education Trust Administration

8 Questions about this webinar? Contact: Ellen Chambers (617) Ext. 520 Thank you

9 Standard Subtest Percentile Score Score Rank > > < <1