HCPSS MPIA Request #2024-093

Requestor
Carol M Aliprando
Requested Information
Please provide HCPSS definition of the term "benchmark score" as is used when discussing MAP test scores. A concrete example would be appropriate. For example, for the benchmark scores provided in MPIA 2024-084, the benchmark score of 182 is provided for Second Grade "DISTRICT Grade Level Mean" for Math. A definition might look like this: For Fall of 2023, those HCPSS 2nd grade students who score ABOVE 182 in Math can be described as .... choose one or more: performing at grade level, performing adequately, above expectations, performing above grade level, performing more than adequately, performing exceptionally well, i.e. whatever descriptive term du-jour HCPSS uses to describe these students - understanding that these descriptive terms are provided solely in relation to other Fall 23 - HCPSS 2nd Grade students. Likewise, what descriptive term is used to describe those HCPSS 2nd Grade students that score BELOW 182 for Fall 23, in "DISTICT Grade Level Mean."

Similarly, provide the definition of "benchmark score" as it is used with "NORM Grade Level Mean."

MORE IMPORTANTLY, provide the complete statistical context of these scores. Please provide the margin of errors, the confidence intervals, and the standard deviations for all 16 HCPSS 2nd Grade mean scores, as provided in MPIA 2024-084. This information is critical to the academic administrators of HCPSS and assuredly is used routinely - or it should be - otherwise the scores are meaningless. In addition, that statistical context should be readily available to HCPSS staff, and the parents/guardians. This group of people are a sophisticated lot. Please don't underestimate them.
Date Received
Status
Complete
Response Notes

Responsive to this request, as a point of clarification on MPIA 2024-084, this request, although noting “benchmark,” upon clarification was not looking for a benchmark but instead a local and national average score for the specific test administration for comparison purposes. The generic (non-individual student portions) of a home report was provided as an existing report that displays that information. HCPSS students who participate in MAP receive these averages (not benchmarks) on each administration's home report. Internal benchmarks are set to determine if a student is on track for grade level proficiency. The scores vary by grade level, but generally a student around the 65th percentile on the assessment is demonstrating readiness and would therefore be considered meeting the grade level standard. NWEA provides the following linkage study to ACT performance: https://connection.nwea.org/s/article/College-Readiness-Linking-Study?language=en_US.

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