MDE Data Literacy and Interpretation

Question 1

In educational assessment, which term describes data expressed in numerical form that can be statistically analyzed?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative data

Answer

Quantitative data is expressed numerically and is suitable for statistical analysis, such as test scores and attendance rates.

Question 2

What does a percentile rank of 75 indicate for a student's test score?

Accepted Answer

The student scored higher than 75% of the norm group

Answer

A percentile rank of 75 means the student scored higher than 75% of the students in the comparison group, not that they got 75% correct.

Question 3

In Minnesota, which statewide assessment provides annual data on student achievement in reading and mathematics?

Accepted Answer

MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments)

Answer

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are the state's primary annual assessments that measure student proficiency in reading and mathematics.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of disaggregating student achievement data by subgroup in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

To identify and address achievement gaps among different student populations

Answer

Disaggregating data by subgroup (e.g., race, income, disability status) reveals performance disparities so educators can target supports to close achievement gaps.

Question 5

Which measure of central tendency is most affected by extreme outlier scores in a data set?

Accepted Answer

Mean

Answer

The mean (average) is most sensitive to outliers because all values are summed together, so extreme scores can significantly skew the result.

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

(MDE) Minnesota Department of Education Practice Test

MDE Data Literacy and Interpretation