Grade-Based Local and National Norm Scores

Students are automatically scored based on the grade level assigned to the testing session, regardless of their age. Scores for students whose ages are outside of the typical range for a grade (see Table 4.1) should be interpreted with caution, as the normative sample may not reflect their peers. For students who are outside of the typical age range for their grade, consider using age-based Local or National Norms. See chapter 5, Development, for detailed information on the normative grade groups.

• For example, a student who is 10 years, 0 months old and enrolled in Grade 2 will be compared to their peers in Grade 2 when using the grade-based scoring option, within either Local or National Norms selected.

Age-Based Local and National Norm Scores

Students are automatically scored based on their age in years and months at the time of test completion. The age-based norm samples (National and Local) contain normative data for students who are aged 5 years, 2 months, through 14 years, 9 months. Students who are enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 9 but are outside of this age range will be scored in comparison to their closest age-peers. These scores should be interpreted with caution as the Age-Based National Normative Sample may not accurately reflect their age-peers. See chapter 5, Development, for detailed information on the normative age groups.

• Example 1: For Age-Based Local Norm Scores, a student who is 4 years, 11 months old and enrolled in Kindergarten will be scored relative to students who are 5 years, 2 months old in the national sample, and then directly compared to their peers in the local Kindergarten sample.
• Example 2: For Age-Based National Norm Scores, a student who is 15 years, 0 months old and enrolled in Grade 9 will be scored relative to students who are 14 years, 9 months old in the national sample.