WVDE is charged with determining and approving rigorous yet reasonable cut scores to ensure an accurate representation of student performance in English language arts (ELA), math, and science as mandated by state and federal law.
Standard Setting Process
To set cut scores and establish achievement levels for both the West Virginia General Summative Assessment in Grades 3-8 and the SAT School Day in Grade 11, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), in collaboration with its testing contractors, conducted standard setting meetings during the summer of 2018. Standard setting is the technical process in which panels of content experts participate in a federally approved process to determine cut scores per grade level, per content area. The panelists, which included West Virginia educators, business representatives, parents, and higher education faculty, set cut scores to determine four achievement levels – Exceeds Standard, Meets Standard, Partially Meets Standard, and Does Not Meet Standard.
The West Virginia General Summative Assessment is administered to students in Grade 3-8. Students in Grades 3-8 were assessed in English language arts (ELA) and math, while students in Grades 5 and 8 also took a grade-band science assessment.
Presented in the charts below are the scaled score ranges for each achievement level for ELA, math, and science for the West Virginia General Summative Assessment in Grades 3-8.
Achievement levels descriptors provide a general description of student performance at each level. A cut score is a selected score point on the scale for each assessment that determines each of the achievement levels for that assessment.
Grade 3 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
420 – 549
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
550 – 585
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
586 – 615
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
616 – 750
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 4 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
430 – 562
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
563 – 598
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
599 – 628
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
629 – 790
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 5 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
450 – 587
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
588 – 621
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
622 – 654
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
655 – 810
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 6 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
460 – 596
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
597 – 638
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
639 – 679
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
680 – 830
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 7 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
470 – 601
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
602 – 643
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
644 – 684
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
685 – 850
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 8 – English Language Arts
Does Not Meet Standard
480 – 612
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Partially Meets Standard
613 – 655
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Meets Standard
656 – 697
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Exceeds Standard
698 – 870
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level English language arts (ELA) knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for ELA.
Grade 3 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
300 – 400
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
401 – 425
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
426 – 447
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
448 – 550
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 4 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
310 – 421
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
422 – 455
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
456 – 477
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
478 – 610
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 5 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
320 – 448
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
449 – 486
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
487 – 512
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
513 – 660
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 6 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
330 – 473
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
474 – 517
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
518 – 549
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
550 – 720
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 7 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
340 – 502
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
503 – 547
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
548 – 582
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
583 – 750
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 8 – Mathematics
Does Not Meet Standard
350 – 528
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Partially Meets Standard
529 – 586
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Meets Standard
587 – 616
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Exceeds Standard
617 – 830
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-level math knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics.
Grade 5 – Science
Does Not Meet Standard
500 – 536
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Partially Meets Standard
537 – 554
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Meets Standard
555 – 567
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Exceeds Standard
568 – 600
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
NOTE: The Grade 5 Science test covers content taught in grades 3, 4, and 5.
Grade 8 – Science
Does Not Meet Standard
800 – 836
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a minimal understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Partially Meets Standard
837 – 854
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an incomplete understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Meets Standard
855 – 866
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates an adequate understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
Exceeds Standard
867 – 900
Scaled Score Range
Achievement Level Descriptor
The student generally demonstrates a thorough understanding of, and ability to, apply grade-band science knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to the West Virginia NxGen Science Standards.
NOTE: The Grade 8 Science test covers content taught in grades 6, 7, and 8