MEGA Scoring Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'scaled score' on the MEGA?
- The total number of questions answered correctly
- A statistically adjusted score that allows comparison across different test forms (Correct answer)
- The percentage of questions answered correctly multiplied by 300
- The average score of all candidates in the same testing window
Correct answer: A statistically adjusted score that allows comparison across different test forms
A scaled score is a statistically adjusted value that makes scores from different test forms comparable by accounting for variation in item difficulty.
Question 2: On the MEGA, which question types are typically NOT scored?
- Multiple-choice items in the final section only
- Field-test (pilot) items embedded within the test (Correct answer)
- Any item that more than 80% of candidates answer correctly
- Items that are flagged for review by the candidate
Correct answer: Field-test (pilot) items embedded within the test
Field-test items are embedded in MEGA exams for research purposes and do not count toward the candidate's final score.
Question 3: A teacher candidate passed the MEGA Elementary Education test but later decides to pursue middle school certification. What must they do regarding MEGA testing?
- Request a score transfer from the elementary test to the middle school test
- Pass the appropriate MEGA Middle School subject-area test for the new endorsement (Correct answer)
- Retake the Elementary Education test with a higher score
- Submit a waiver to DESE since they already hold a passing MEGA score
Correct answer: Pass the appropriate MEGA Middle School subject-area test for the new endorsement
Each MEGA assessment corresponds to a specific certification area; passing a different subject test is required for each new endorsement sought.
Question 4: What score range is used for all MEGA scaled scores?
- 0–100
- 100–300 (Correct answer)
- 1–36
- 200–800
Correct answer: 100–300
MEGA assessments report scaled scores on a 100–300 point scale, with 220 typically required to pass.
Question 5: How many times per year may a candidate retake a specific MEGA exam they have not yet passed?
- Unlimited times within a calendar year (Correct answer)
- Once per calendar year
- As allowed by testing availability, with no annual cap per attempt
- No more than twice in any 12-month period
Correct answer: Unlimited times within a calendar year
MEGA policies allow candidates to retake exams as many times as needed, though candidates should check for any waiting period requirements between attempts.
Question 6: Official MEGA score reports are released to candidates on a schedule published by DESE. When are scores typically made official?
- Immediately after each test appointment
- On a set score release date, usually within 2–6 weeks of the testing date (Correct answer)
- Only at the end of the academic year
- After each candidate's program director reviews the results
Correct answer: On a set score release date, usually within 2–6 weeks of the testing date
DESE publishes score release dates, and official scores are typically available within 2–6 weeks of the test date.
Question 7: A candidate's MEGA score report lists both a total scaled score and a 'performance level.' What does the performance level indicate?
- The candidate's class rank among all Missouri test-takers
- Whether the candidate's score is 'pass' or 'not pass' relative to the cut score (Correct answer)
- The specific number of questions answered incorrectly
- The candidate's score compared only to first-time test-takers
Correct answer: Whether the candidate's score is 'pass' or 'not pass' relative to the cut score
The performance level on a MEGA score report simply indicates whether the total scaled score meets or exceeds the passing cut score.
MEGA Scoring Requirements 3
Which of the following best describes a 'scaled score' on the MEGA?