How Are Cut Scores Set

One of the assumptions embedded in our world of standardized testing is that the line between “passing” and “failing” is drawn in a way that makes educational sense. As it turns out, not so much. Cut scores can even be set by politicians who have no educational or testing expertise to bring to bear on the problem. Here Carol Burris, writing at Washington Post’s The Answer Sheet blog, gives the breakdown of how one batch of cut scores were established.

The Scary Way Common Core Test “Cut Scores” Are Selected