Projections and Suggested Averages FAQ

1. Is there a chart that tells me the suggested grade for a benchmark?

Pathways determines suggested grades according to student performance level projections. Because this determination is customized according to data for each individual assessment, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ chart for suggested grades. To understand more about this process, see Suggested Averages Explained.

2. Are there scaled scores for the benchmarks?

Due to the high precision of scaled scores (down to the hundredth place), accurately projecting a student’s exact scaled score is not feasible. To avoid presenting misleading data, Pathways does not provide scaled scores for Benchmarks.

3. How are the projected performance levels calculated/How do you determine cut scores? 

The cut scores used to determine performance levels for Pathways benchmark assessments are based on the previous year's state test cut scores. Pathways creates a probability matrix to set its cut scores, utilizing a mathematical method called normalizing. This method presumes that if, for example, 15% of the testing group are projected to earn a performance level of 5 on this year's state test, then the Pathways cut scores will be set such that 15% of students will earn a performance level of 5 on the Pathways benchmark. The probability matrix used by Pathways is populated with data from the previous year's state test. In addition, the method calculates the projected state test performance level distribution of the testing group based on their performance on a similar set of items (anchor items) from a previous year’s benchmark. This makes the Pathways cut score setting process a very close approximation of the state department of education’s method.

4. How are suggested grades calculated?

Suggested grades are calculated according to student performance level projections. See Suggested Averages Explained to learn more. 

5. How can I find the suggested grade for a benchmark?

You can find suggested grades for a benchmark in the student level ‘Student Results’ report. For instructions on navigating to the assessment reports portal, see Accessing Assessment Reports.

6. How can I see the cut scores?

The best way to view cut scores is to run the Performance Distribution report for the Pathways Benchmark once the projected performance level data is available. The bottom of the report indicates the cut score where each performance level begins for the benchmark.  For instructions on navigating to the assessment reports portal, see Accessing Assessment Reports. 

7. Why aren’t the cut scores the same as the MAAP/ACAP/TCAP/KSA cut scores?

Pathways determines cut scores using data that is unique to each assessment since length and rigor can vary from assessment to assessment. By customizing cut scores according to assessment, student projected performance levels are more closely aligned to those of MAAP/ACAP/TCAP/KSA.