QTC Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Explaining standardized test scores:
I did some research to better understand Stanines. This website http://www.nzcersupport.org.nz/marking/?p=75 helped put it into lamens terms for me and would help me explain it to Ingrid's grandmother.

Stanines
Stanines are used to compare an individual student’s achievement with the results obtained by a national reference sample chosen to represent a certain year level. Stanines divide the distribution of results for a year group into nine categories. Most students, when compared with their own year level, achieve around stanines four, five, and six. Stanines seven, eight, and nine represent comparatively high achievement for a year group, while stanines one, two, and three indicate comparatively low achievement.

It is important to remember that the national reference sample data for the PAT tests was collected in March. This means that when a test is administered at the end of the year it will be more appropriate to make stanine comparisons with the next highest year level. Stanines for the STAR test are available for several points in the year (For example for the Year 4 to 9 STAR Tests, stanines within each year level can be reported for February to May, June to August and September to December). The nearest time point to the date the test was administered should be selected for reporting stanines.

The figure below shows how the nine stanines for a Year level break the PAT:Reading scale into 9 regions. Apart from stanines 1 and 9 each the width of each region is the same. More information about stanines and how they were derived can be found in the teacher manuals.

I also did some research into how to best explain test scores to parents. This website http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=1&n=1 made it pretty simple. 

Stanine is short for standard nine. The name comes from the fact that stanine scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 9. For instance, a stanine score of

1, 2, or 3 is below average
4, 5, or 6 is average
7, 8, or 9 is above average

If a child achieved a stanine score that was below average in a particular area, the test revealed an area in which the child needs improvement. If the child achieved an average stanine score, the test indicated that he or she performed at about the same level as other students who took the test. If the child achieved a stanine score that is above average, the test results mean that he or she performed better in that area than other students who took the test

This website recommended that the teacher explain to the student why he or she needs to be tested in this manner. It also recommended that the teacher explain the scores and what exactly the scores mean. Often times they look like a foreign language but when broken down, are actually fairly simple to understand. 

Ingrid is especially strong in reading comprehension and science. She is average in social studies, and below average in math concepts, math computation, and spelling. It is important that Ingrid and her grandmother understand what the Stanine means vs the percentile so that she doesn't get too hard on herself and feel defeated. There are a few suggestions I would make for Ingrid to do at home. Obviously, Ingrid is not mastering some aspects of math and spelling. Often times, students need to experience another form of learning. A differentiated teaching approach could definitely be beneficial for Ingrid. I would recommend a tutor outside of the classroom that could give Ingrid one on one help in mastering these subjects. 

When looking for answers, I found a NY Times article that highlighted many different scholarly opinions. I always find articles like this helpful because they provide me with many opinions and viewpoints, allowing me to for my own. Check it out here : http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/how-to-improve-national-math-scores/