‘Majority’ of prelim. MAAP scores from spring tests were incorrect, according to Mississippi Board of Education
JACKSON, Miss. (WMC) – The “majority” of preliminary Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) test results were incorrectly scored this past spring, according to the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE).
As a result, the board voted to terminate its contract with NWEA, the testing vendor, for MAAP tests in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
The affected assessments include:
- English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3-8
- Algebra I and English II for high school students
An emergency contract will be made with Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to administer these tests for the 2024-25 school year.
Federal law requires all states to assess student performance annually in ELA and math for grades 3-8, science for grades 5 and 8, and ELA, math and science for high schoolers.
According to a release, “the majority” of preliminary MAAP test results from the spring were incorrectly scored across several grades and content areas.
The error may have an impact on high school seniors who redid the English II test to meet graduation requirements.
NWEA corrected the standardized test scores released on June 17 and provided districts with updated results on July 12.
The state board says the new results changed scores for several Mississippi students but emphasized that the initial error did not affect passing scores for the 3rd-grade reading test or any 3rd-grade retests.
The Mississippi Department of Education and its independent technical advisors reviewed and verified the accuracy of the updated results before their release to districts.
“Errors in the administration of our statewide assessments are unacceptable, especially errors of this magnitude,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “It is the MDE’s and the State Board’s duty to ensure the testing vendors we contract with provide accurate, valid and reliable data in every instance.”
Most Mississippi students receive their score reports for standardized tests when they return to school in the fall.
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