As part of our continued improvements to the Mastery Predictive Assessments, educators may notice that scales look slightly different between the first and second benchmark. This is intentional as we’ve refined our scaling model to align more closely with linear equating, a research-based process that enhances fairness and comparability across all test forms. As the new method is implemented, the scales can shift slightly because linear equating handles score relationships differently.
Check out the newest video I made, Linear Equating 101 or keep reading to learn more. Or check out the Linear Equating FAQ to learn how these updates may appear in the Predictive Assessment Reports.
Why We Use Linear Equating
When educators look at assessment data, they need to trust that scores mean the same thing across every test form, every administration, and every student group. That’s where linear equating comes in and why it plays such a central role in the Mastery Predictive Assessments.
Linear equating is what allows districts to use Mastery Predictive Assessments to understand how students are likely to perform on the state test. It links scores from the predictive assessment to the scale of the state summative, so benchmark results aren’t just how students did on this test, but an early, research-based indicator of how they are tracking toward end-of-year expectations.
Because linear equating also accounts for differences in assessment difficulty, it ensures that scores are comparable across forms. If one form is slightly easier and another is slightly harder, equating adjusts for those differences so a student’s score reflects their learning and not the particular form they received. This process helps districts trust that when they look at predictive scores, they’re seeing a fair, consistent preview of state test performance that they can confidently use to plan instruction, interventions, and support.
How Linear Equating Strengthens Mastery Predictive Assessments
In the Predictive Assessments, linear equating is not just a behind-the-scenes psychometric step, it’s the engine that supports the reliability and fairness of everything educators see.
- Fairness for Students: Every score is adjusted to account for form difficulty, ensuring students are evaluated on what they know, not which test they took.
- Stronger Predictions & Earlier Insight: Predictive accuracy depends on consistent scoring. Equating helps us maintain the same level of predictive power even as items, standards, and forms vary.
- Trustworthy Trend & Growth Metrics: Linear equating makes it possible to trace learning trajectories across multiple administrations without distortion.
- A Foundation for Future Scaling Enhancements: As we evolve toward more automated scaling and richer analytics, linear equating remains the stable anchor that keeps results meaningful across every benchmark.
Deepen the Research Behind Your Data
Interested in partnering on a validity study to better understand the accuracy and predictive power of your assessments? Our research team will do the heavy lifting on the analysis. You provide the data and context, and we’ll share back clear, actionable findings. Contact your Customer Success Manager for additional information.
