NWEA Projected Proficiency and State Test Linking

Question 1

What does a projected proficiency report in MAP Growth estimate?

Accepted Answer

The likelihood or level of performance on a state summative assessment based on the student's RIT score

Answer

Projected proficiency uses linking between MAP Growth RIT scores and state test results to estimate performance on the state test.

Question 2

What is the purpose of an NWEA linking study?

Accepted Answer

To establish the relationship between RIT scores and performance levels on a state test

Answer

Linking studies compare MAP Growth scores with state test results to identify RIT cut scores that correspond to state proficiency levels.

Question 3

Why is it important to treat projected proficiency as an estimate and not a guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Many factors, such as instruction after testing and the testing conditions, can affect actual state test results

Answer

A projection is a prediction based on a linking relationship, and actual outcomes vary with instruction, student effort, and other factors.

Question 4

A school wants to identify students at risk of not meeting state proficiency before the state test. Which MAP Growth information is most helpful?

Accepted Answer

Projected proficiency levels for each student

Answer

Projected proficiency flags students whose scores suggest they may fall below the state proficiency level, so the school can intervene early.

Question 5

A student's RIT score is near the cut score for the proficient level on the state test. How should educators interpret the projection?

Accepted Answer

The student is on the borderline, so the projection is less certain and monitoring is warranted

Answer

Near a cut score, small differences or measurement error can change the predicted category, so educators should monitor the student rather than treat the projection as definitive.

NWEA - Northwest Evaluation Association Practice Test

NWEA - Northwest Evaluation Association Practice Test

NWEA Projected Proficiency and State Test Linking