The EOC enlisted Education Analytics for an independent evaluation, a linking study, of the alignment between interim assessments and SC READY.
What is a linking study?
Linking studies establish the relationship between two assessments. The process is done by identifying the scores that students would be expected to get if they took both assessments during the same time period and if the assessments were measured on the same scale. The linking study by Education Analytics links interim assessments (MAP, i-Ready and STAR) to the state assessment (SC READY) by identifying the corresponding percentile ranks across the test scores. Linking studies could not be conducted for the Mastery View Predictive Assessments (MVPA, formerly CASE) which is used by some SC districts.
Key Takeaway:
MAP, i-Ready, and STAR assessment scores accurately correspond with SC READY’s proficiency levels. SC READY’s proficiency levels are as follows: “Does Not Meet Expectations,” “Approaches Expectations,” “Meets Expectations,” and “Exceeds Expectations.”
What does this study mean for educators?
This study will give educators insight into how a third to eighth grade student’s interim assessment scores could indicate their proficiency level on SC READY.
Will a student’s interim assessment guarantee a certain proficiency level on SC READY?
No, a student’s interim assessment score does not guarantee a particular SC READY proficiency level. The results are more accurate for students collectively than as associated with individual students.
What is an example of how i-Ready scores can give insight into possible SC READY proficiency levels?
3rd grade students who scored 198 on MAP Reading, 605 on i-Ready Reading, or 399 on STAR ELA/Reading have a 50% chance of scoring 452 or higher (i.e., reaching “Meets Expectations”) on the SC READY ELA test.