Proficiency Descriptors and Scale Scores for Science

These performance level descriptions are intended to help parents, educators, and others understand what children who score at a given performance level on the WKCE are expected to know and be able to do at the time of testing. This information may be useful as one component of program planning and evaluation, but should be interpreted cautiously and in the context of other available information when applied to individual students.

Since 1997-98, Wisconsin has been using four proficiency categories: advanced, proficient, basic, and minimal performance. Proficiency score standards associate each of four scale score ranges with a specific proficiency category. Cut-scores divide scale scores into the four categories. The advanced and proficient levels are the long term educational goals for all students. Statewide standardized test scores are reported by proficiency category.

General Descriptions of the Proficiency Categories

• Advanced: Demonstrates in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills tested on WKCE at that grade level.
• Proficient: Demonstrates competency in the academic knowledge and skills tested on WKCE at that grade level.
• Basic: Demonstrates some academic knowledge and skills tested on WKCE at that grade level.
• Minimal Performance: Demonstrates very limited academic knowledge and skills tested on WKCE at that grade level.

SCIENCE	Minimal Performance	Basic	Proficient	Advanced
Fourth Grade	170-248	249-278	279-319	320-440
Eighth Grade	230-348	349-374	375-418	419-560
Tenth Grade	240-410	411-428	429-465	466-610

Detailed Descriptions of WKCE Proficiency Level Descriptors for Science

Grade 4

Grade 8

Grade 10

For questions about this information, contact oeamail@dpi.wi.gov

Last updated on 6/27/2008 6:56:14 AM