How are passing scores determined?
This process is called “standard setting” because students must meet a certain performance standard to pass. Setting standards for the WASL is a thoughtful and involved process incorporating the feedback of many people. First, a standard-setting panel for a WASL subject and grade level is convened. Members include teachers, parents and community members representing Washington’s geographically and ethnically diverse population.
The actual passing score is determined by a criterion-referenced procedure called the Modified Angoff Technique. In brief, experts in a particular field review the examination questions and evaluate them according to how successful a candidate with minimally acceptable competency would be in answering them, which determines a minimum passing score.
