More about scale scores

The PAT scale score is very useful when describing achievement and progress.

The same scale applies across all of the PAT tests in a given subject. This means that you use the PAT scale score to track student progress through the years. The PAT scale score can also be used to compare the progress of your students with the average progress of their year group.   It sits right next to the raw score on the Score Conversion Table in the Manual when you do your marking.

How can you use  the PAT scale score to describe progress?

Each subject has a scale to measure ability in that subject. For example, in PAT:Mathematics the scale (patm) measures student ability in mathematics.  You can convert a student’s raw score in the test to a scale score which places them on the scale. Over time, when a student sits more than one test, you can observe the increase in their scale scores.

To summarise, you can tell three things from the scale score:

1. You have a snapshot of the ability level each student is currently working at.

2. You can use the Mean Scale Score Table found in each Manual to identify whether a student is at, below or above the ability level for their age group.

3. You will know how far up the scale they’ve come since their last assessment in this subject.

 If you would like to discuss any of these points further, please don’t hesitate to call or email. Education Adviser, (04) 802 1386, educationadviser@nzcer.org.nz