New method of reporting scores may be confusing DPI adds new analysis to measure student proficiency

When the Department of Public Instruction reports the latest results of student testing in January, educators may encounter a few raised eyebrows.

That's because a new reporting procedure may leave the impression that students are not doing as well as in the past. That's not the case.

"Wisconsin public school students continue to score among the best in the nation in standardized tests," said WEAC President Terry Craney. "It is important that teachers help parents and the public understand that student performance is not declining. The state is adding a second reporting mechanism that analyzes scores against a higher standard of measurement.

"This is a positive development," Craney said. "We are raising expectations for our children. But we must get the message out that the new reporting procedure does not reflect any decline in achievement."

For the first time this year, DPI will report two kinds of scores on the Wisconsin Student Assessment System Knowledge and Concepts Examination. These standardized achievement tests are administered annually to 4th, 8th and 10th graders throughout the state.

DPI will continue to report norm-referenced scores, which compare children with students throughout the country. Last year, Wisconsin students had scores that ranged from the 60th to 71st percentiles across all subject areas. That means the average Wisconsin student did better than about two-thirds of the students nationally.

This year, DPI also will report proficiency scores. These scores measure student progress against a new set of high expectations. These standards were established in 1997 by parents, educators and persons from business and government at workshops conducted by DPI.

Proficiency standards have been established to set high expectations for all students. Comparative (norm-referenced) scores show that Wisconsin's students do better than students nationally on nearly all tests. The new proficiency scores judge performance in terms of high academic standards set by people in Wisconsin.

For this reason, a student in Wisconsin may receive a very high national percentile score but be judged "basic" in a content area. The proficiency scores assess students at one of four levels.

• Students receiving a score of "advanced" did exceptionally well.
• "Proficient" represents a competent level of achievement.
• Students who score at the "basic" level are achieving at a fairly solid level, although they have some weaknesses that should be addressed.
• Children scoring at the "minimal" level have limited achievement in the content area.

Parents who are concerned about the achievement of their children in any content area should meet with their child's teacher to determine what they can do to help the child do better in school.

• Understanding the new proficiency scores

Posted December 22, 1997