Selecting Snapshot Standards/Items FAQ

1. Can I include standards that have not yet been taught? 

It is best practice to avoid the inclusion of standards or skills that have not yet been covered in the classroom. Projected Performance Levels (PLs) are calculated based on the assumption that students are being assessed on material they have learned. Including untaught content may lead to artificially low performance levels, distorting results and reducing the assessment’s usefulness for instructional planning.

Additionally, customized student review assignments are based on the easiest questions each student missed. If material is included that students have not learned yet, the ‘review’ assignment will address untaught content rather than student misconceptions, making it significantly less valuable for student remediation.

For these reasons, we recommend verifying alignment with your district’s pacing guides before finalizing Snapshot item selection.

2. How many items should I select for each Snapshot?

The number of items to be included on a Snapshot is a nuanced topic that districts should ultimately decide based on their own priorities. Below is a table of recommended item ranges per grade level.

*The kindergarten and 1st grade Snapshot 1 assessments are intended to be administered at the end of Term 2.

Choosing an item count near the lower end of the range will prioritize instructional time, but give up some measurement precision due to less score distribution. For example, if there are only 15 questions, and a student misses just one, their score drops by 7%, which may disproportionately affect their projected performance level. 

Choosing an item count near the higher end of the range enhances measurement precision and provides a more detailed view of student understanding. This approach requires more instructional time, but is beneficial when districts or schools want to simulate the rigor and structure of state assessments. A higher item count will allow for a larger score distribution, more accurately distinguishing performance level projections. 

These recommendations are not requirements. Districts may adjust as needed based on instructional priorities, time constraints, or specific student needs. If you have any questions about filling out your selection sheets, please do not hesitate to reach out to Pathways support by email (Support-Pathways@LearningExplorer.com), chat, or phone (877- 233-7833).