2/18 - Week 5: Using Standarized test results.

How do you and teachers in your school use standarized test results?


Standarized tests can be categorized as either criterion referenced tests or norm-referenced tests. The difference lies in that scores on criterion referenced tests are interpreted by relating performance to some predetermined criterion, whereas scores on norm-referenced tests are interpreted by comparing them with scores obtained by members of the group on which the test was normed.

Most school districts including those in Sparta Township use standardized test results for:

• diagnosing learning difficulties;
• detecting discrepancies between potential and achievement, for example scholastic aptitude tests (which are general in nature and measure one's ability to improve as a result of instruction) and achievement tests (which are specific in nature and tend to be used to evaluate an individual's status upon the completion of a particular subject area);
• assessing growth in academic achievement;
• grouping students for instruction according to some attribute that may be measured (in conjunction with other sources of data such as cummulative records, report card grades, and teacher judgement);
• planning instructional activities; and
• determining reasonable achievement levels in order to modify the curriculum.

In addition scores can be used to determine the performance of Sparta schools with other similar schools in other districts. Trends in performance for a district over many years can be very informative. Parents and the community use these scores to monitor the performance of their school district. I remember in CT, the CAPT (I believe similar to HSPA in NJ) scores were published in the state paper and used to rank high schools. Prospective home buyers would use these scores to determine where they would move to to insure a quality education for their children. The scores can also be used, under the federal NCLB law in the United States, where low test scores mean schools and districts can be labeled "in need of improvement" - this happened to a school in CT in a nearby district.

It should be noted that in Sparta these test scores do not drive instruction nor curriculum - they simply offer suggestions - according to my colleagues. Yet, reality dictates that some preparation for the students imbedded in instruction must be done so they can be successful.