TECHNICAL MANUAL
DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSESSMENTS
In addition to overall performance, the GE and AE scores provided by A2i also provide a useful way to measure student growth. In part, this is because the CAT framework allows all students across Grades K–3 to see items from the same test bank. This means that the scores from L2M and WMG are on the same scales and can be compared across students and grades. Essentially, the GEs and AEs form a continuous sliding scale where any K–3 student’s progress and growth can be accurately tracked. In addition, we have also confirmed that the “sliding scales” of GE and AE scores measured by the A2i assessments have equal intervals. This means that each “step” on the GE and AE scale represents the same amount of growth relative to one another. It’s important to note that not all GE and AE scores share these characteristics, but once the correct conditions are established, scores can be added, subtracted, or averaged and used in data visualizations to illustrate growth. For a more detailed explanation of the GE growth scale, please view the Predictive Validity section.
Figure 4. An Equal Interval Scale (left) vs an Unequal Interval Scale (right).
Here are a few specific examples of how to understand and apply the GE score:
On Level • If a student is just entering first grade and has a GE score of 1.0, the student is reading at their expected grade level, based on national norms. • If a first-grade student has received five months of instruction and has a GE score of 1.5, the student is reading at their expected grade level, based on national norms. If the student remains on track, they should end the first-grade year performing at a GE of 1.9, indicating that they have the reading ability of a first-grader who has received nine months of effective instruction. Below Level • If a student is just entering first grade and has a GE score of 0.0, the student is reading one year behind their expected grade level, based on national norms. • If a student has a negative GE score, they are reading at a PreK grade level, based on national norms. For example, a GE of -0.4 means that a student is reading at the level of a student who will enter kindergarten in four months’ time.
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