Eric.ed.gov – Scale Score Comparability across Two Levels of a Norm-Referenced Math Computation Test for Students with Learning Disabilities. Out-of-Level Testing Report.

In this study, special education teachers identified students with learning disabilities who were working on math skills usually taught two grades below the grade in which the student was enrolled. Each student (n=33) took two levels of the MAT/7 math computation test, an on-grade test, and an out-of-level test intended for students two grades below. All levels of the MAT/7 are statistically linked to permit scores comparisons across levels. On average, the students obtained a higher scale score on the on-grade test (mean=557) than on the out-of-level test (mean=541). When a correction was made for random guessing, the mean scale score on the on-grade test (mean=535) was lower than the mean scale score on the out-of-level test (mean=550), although the difference was not statistically significant. More of the scores on the out-of-level test (n=16) fell in the tests reliable score range (45-75% correct) than did scores on the on-grade test (n=7). After completing each test, students were asked to rate how hard and how frustrating the test was for them. Ratings of test difficulty and frustration did not differ for the out-of-level and in-level tests. Generally, the students rated both tests as being fairly easy. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)