Important Things to Know about the SOL Scaled Scores In spring 2006, the Virginia Board of Education adopted new proficiency levels and cut scores for grades 3 through 8 reading and math. The scaled score range and proficiency levels for elementary and middle social studies and science, and EOC SOL tests were not modified. The scaled score ranges and proficiency levels for the total SOL test scores apply to tests administered (beginning in) 2007-08 and are outlined below. Grades 3-8 Reading and Math, Grade 8 Writing Scaled Score Proficiency Level 500-600 Pass/Advanced 400-499 Pass/Proficient Varies by Grade/Subject Fail/Basic Varies by Grade/Subject Fail/Below Basic •

Elementary and Middle Social Studies and Science, All EOC Scaled Score Proficiency Level 500-600 Pass/Advanced 400-499 Pass/Proficient 0-399 Fails/Does not Meet

School reports include the mean scaled score, percent of students passing, and the number and percent of students in each proficiency level. Student reports include the scaled score for each test and the proficiency designation.

Do compare test results in the same content area and grade level over time. Do not compare test results in different content areas or grade levels. NOTE: Students pursuing a modified standard diploma must earn a minimum scaled score on the grade 8 or 11 reading test and grade 8 math test, or pass an EOC math test to verify their reading and math credits for graduation. The minimum scores are: Reading Grade 8 reading* – 371 Cumulative grade 8 and 11* – 299 Work Keys – 3-5 ACT Explore - 11

Math Grade 8 math* – 344 Cumulative grade 8* - 360 Work Keys – 3-5 ACT Explore - 12

*A scaled score of 400 is still required on these same tests for these students for their scores to be considered “passing” for the purpose of accreditation. Following the spring 2010 administration, the Grade 8 cumulative reading and mathematics tests will no longer be offered.

Explaining Reporting Category Scores Research and Planning

August 2009

The scaled score for a reporting category is defined using a different scale from the one used to report the total test score. Therefore, the scores from the reporting categories cannot be summed to arrive at the total test scaled score. The scaled score range for each reporting category is 0 30 34 50 ______________________________________ Proficiency Target HCPS proficiency target A score of 30 represents the approximate level of achievement needed in each reporting category to achieve a proficient total test score of 400. The minimum proficiency target in HCPS for each reporting category on each SOL test is a scaled score of 34. Students with reporting category scaled scores below 34 may need additional instruction in those content areas. A raw score of 0 is given a scaled score of 0, and a perfect score will correspond to a scaled score of 50. Please note, within the state scoring process it is possible for a student to earn a score of 30 in each reporting category and achieve a total test score below 400. However, this will be the exception…not the rule. Remember, the total test score is derived separately from the individual reporting category scores, and a different scale is used. This is why the term “approximate” is used when the scaled score of 30 is noted as a state defined performance target.

Writing Research and Planning

August 2009

The total scaled score and the scaled scores for each reporting category for writing combine the results for the multiple choice and direct writing portions of the test. Specific performance information is provided in the reporting categories for the direct writing portion of the test only. Performance is evaluated in three writing domains including composing, written expression, and usagemechanics. Each domain is given a combined score (from two readers) of between 1 and 8. Domain scores are given the following reporting designations on the performance reports according to their combined scores: Possible Combined Scores from Two Readers Consistent Control Reasonable Control Inconsistent Control Domain Composing Written Expression Usage-Mechanics

7-8

5-6

3-4

Little or No Control 1-2

The scores for the domains of composing and written expression are included in the reporting category: plan, compose, and revise in a variety of forms for a variety of purposes. The score for the domain of usage-mechanics is included in the reporting category: edit for correct use of language, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Research and Planning

August 2009

Using the Henrico Assessment Scores to Predict Success on the SOL Tests The scaled scores from the SOL tests were compared with the percentage of items correct for the same students from the Henrico Assessments taken the previous year. The point at which the percentage of failing students on the SOL tests reached approximately one third of all students tested was used to determine the minimum passing Henrico Assessment score or predictor of success on the SOL tests. The analysis was conducted across all content areas at each level. The following minimum passing or predictor scores will apply during the 2009-10 school year: Henrico Assessment Grades

SOL Testing Grades

Scores that Predict the Need for Remediation*

Scores that Predict Success on SOL Tests

K, 1, 2

3

< 75%

> 75%

4

5

< 70%

> 70%

6, 7

8

< 60%

> 60%

9, 10

10, 11

< 60%

> 60%

•

These scores should be considered when determining remediation needs. Some students may achieve a higher score and need remediation based on other factors, such as classroom grades.

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The total number of possible points for the HA writing test at each grade level is outlined below: Grade 4 6 7 10

Multiple Choice 20 NA* NA* NA*

Direct Writing 24 24 24 24

Total 44 24 24 24

* Beginning in 2009-10, the multiple choice portion of the HA writing test will be eliminated at the middle and high school levels.

Research and Planning

August 2009

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A direct writing passing score must be ≥ 15 out of a possible 24 points at the elementary and middle school levels. A direct writing passing score must be > 16 out of a possible 24 points at the high school level. Maximum Scores

Research and Planning

Composing 8 Written Expression 8 Usage/Mechanics 8 Total 24

August 2009