December 11, 2024

Q&A – Slope for standard scores

ROI6

Great question from Lavonne:

My question is similar to that of Jen on July 18, 2011. I am wondering if Rate of Improvement can be graphed and slope comparisons used with standard scores such as those generated by STAR Reading. We also have standard scores on our statewide assessments and could easily generate Excel graphs to show the difference between our student’s performance and that reuqired to pass. We can easily generate our own Excel graphs, we just want to make sure the data is valid.Thank you.

P.S. Thanks so much for this site!

My response:

You can calculate slope for scores that have an equal interval between data points.  STAR Reading, STAR Math, and STAR Early Literacy is a good example of non-CBM data and has been validated as a data set for which you can calculate slope.  Joe Kovaleski and colleagues (2013) just published a book that describes using rate of improvement with computer adaptive tests (CATs), specifically with STAR assessments. I highly recommend getting a copy!

Kovaleski, J. F., VanDerHeyden, A. M., & Shapiro, E. S. (2013). The RTI approach to evaluating learning disabilities. New York, NY; Guilford Press.

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Pennsylvania RtI Implementers Forum 2013

Andy and I were just confirmed to conduct a workshop on graphing, calculating, and interpreting rate of improvement in June 2013! Our state technical assistance network is hosting an implementers forum to have school-based RtI teams within the state come together for professional development. We’re looking forward to presenting to a mixed group of professionals!

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NASP Workshop 2012

Thanks to everyone who came out to the workshop session yesterday! Our workshop focused several aspects of rate of improvement including (a) how we arrived at the conclusion that rate of improvement is a meaningful statistic that can be used as part of data-based decision-making, and a need to be consistent with how to calculate, graph, and interpret rate of improvement. It was a great opportunity for us to work with practitioners and educators interested in the topic of student growth in relation to eligibility decision-making.  While a presentation that incorporates technology, especially the variability between software versions can be daunting, we seemed to get through the workshop in a way that reached everyone. However, if you have lingering questions, feel free to email us! We will be posting the latest PowerPoint to the Downloads section of the site this weekend. We appreciate feedback, comments, and questions! We are hoping to be invited to present again at next year’s convention in Seattle, WA!

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