Frame local risk definitions in MCAS terms: benchmarks near Partially Meeting identify students most in need, while benchmarks nearer Meeting Expectations identify students needing support to meet MCAS goals¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The brief offers two framings for at-risk indicators anchored on the MCAS scale. For intensive intervention targeting the most needy students, 'benchmarks located near the Partially Meeting Expectations cut score (or even lower) could be useful at-risk indicators.' For identifying students who need support to meet MCAS expectations, benchmarks closer to the Meeting Expectations cut score — such as DIBELS 8th Edition or mClass Above Benchmark or i-Ready Mid or Above Grade Level — would be more useful, though more stringent and likely to identify a larger proportion of students.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Educator clarity about whether the intervention goal is serving the most-needy students or preparing students to meet MCAS accountability expectations

Constraints¶

• MCAS-anchored risk definitions would be more stringent and likely identify a larger proportion of the student population than previously identified in younger grades

Target Learners¶

• Grade 3 students in Massachusetts public schools, and younger grades whose educators plan ahead for grade 3 accountability

Target Learning Goals¶

• Early literacy skills aligned to MCAS ELA expectations

Claims¶

• Few students identified as significantly below benchmark in grades 1–3 met MCAS expectations 1 or 2 years later, with higher rates for earlier identification [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Schools and districts should choose screener benchmarks that match their goals and resources for defining and serving at-risk students

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Lemke, M., Murphy, D., Soo Ping Chow, A., Spencer, H., & Zhang, A. (2023). Comparing early literacy screening assessment benchmarks in Massachusetts. WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED638508