Testing 101: How to Understand and Use Achievement Test Results
If you’re like me and you’ve just been assessed or evaluated in some way, you’re probably wondering, did I do OK? That’s likely the case when it comes to receiving your student’s achievement test results too. The first question often asked is, “Did he or she pass?” Once this question is answered, it’s quickly followed by another, “What do the rest of these scores mean?”
No matter what achievement test your student takes, there are six types of scores your report will provide. They are raw scores, national percentile ranks, normal curve equivalents, stanines, grade equivalents, and scale scores. As I discuss these, you’ll find it helpful to refer to a sample report which you can view here.
Interpreting the Basic Information
When you receive your student’s test results, check to see that it contains the following information, and that it is correct. At the top of the page you should find the name of the test your student took, his or her name, and the date the test was given. You should also find the level of the test taken and what is referred to as the norm level.
The norm level refers to the time period your student’s performance was compared to. For students testing through Basic Skills, spring norms (March through June) are exclusively used. For students testing in July or August, these same norms are used in recognition that some students home school year-round.
Following the above information should be a list of the sub-tests your student took, and what is identified as the Battery Total or Total Score. Across from each subtest will be the scores I mentioned previously as raw scores, national percentile ranks, etc.
Typically, the first score you will see on the report will be the raw score. This score provides the basis from which all the other scores are derived. More on this in the next Testing 101 article.
Thanks for Reading,
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
- Want to practice the above using one of our practice tests? We have two to practice with: The One Hour Practice Test and Achieving Peak Performance. Both are available as instant downloads so you can start preparing immediately!
- If you live in Oregon and want to test, you can locate an examiner near you.
- If you live outside the state of Oregon and know someone who’d make a good examiner for your child, he or she may click here to apply. Qualifying is fast, simple, and only requires a four-year degree.
