Understanding Scale Scores, PLDs and Cut Scores

What Are Scale Scores?

KAP score reports relay information about students’ performance in terms of scale scores. A scale score is a mathematical conversion of the total number of points a student earned on an assessment into a score along a predefined scale, which allows for consistent reporting of assessment results across years for any specific grade and subject area. Scale scores on all KAP assessments range from 220 to 380.

It is important to note that scale scores can only be used to compare students in a single grade and subject area (for example, grade 3 math). Scale scores cannot be compared across other grades and subject areas.

So, if third graders in a particular building averaged a scale score of 320 in grade 3 math last year and averaged a scale score of 330 in grade 3 math this year, the building may safely be said to have improved year-over-year in grade 3 math performance.

However, a student who earned a 310 on this year’s grade 4 math assessment and a 320 on last year’s grade 3 math assessment has not necessarily regressed in math. Further, a student who scored 330 on her grade 3 ELA assessment and 340 on her grade 3 math assessment did not necessarily do better in math than in ELA.

What Are Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs)?

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) are available for each test. PLDs define the knowledge, skills, and processes that students likely demonstrate at different levels of proficiency within the reporting categories (1, 2, 3, 4).

These PLDs appear on Individual Student Reports and describe student performance on the assessment.

Level 1: A student at Level 1 shows a limited ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.

Level 2: A student at Level 2 shows a basic ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.

Level 3: A student at Level 3 shows an effective ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.

Level 4: A student at Level 4 shows an excellent ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.

What Are Cut Scores?

The scale score thresholds dividing the performance levels are called cut scores. Cut scores are generally different for each grade and subject; however, for simplicity, the Level 3 cut score is 300 for all KAP assessments. To understand how your student performed on the assessment, visit with your teachers or school officials.

Cut Scores for 2023-24 KAP Summative Assessments

Note: Cut scores for the 2024-25 assessment will be established during standard setting in summer 2025.

English Language Arts

Mathematics

Science