Multistate Standard-Setting Studies

The ETS multistate standard-setting study process assists states when new and regenerated tests require new passing scores. This approach, designed by ETS researchers, convenes practitioner panels to recommend a passing score for states to consider. The panels simulate a test-taking experience prior to recommending a passing score. The panels also confirm that the content is important and relevant to entry-level practice. Multistate standard-setting studies are important because they:

• reduce the state burden of recruiting educators
• gain greater educator input into the passing score recommendation — up to 50 educators
• provide a more efficient process for moving states from old to new tests
• allow for multiple rounds of panel judgments, feedback and discussion
• add support for states seeking greater interstate portability

Each state maintains valuable control by setting its own passing score, while the multistate standard-setting study provides practitioner judgments and documentation to inform that decision.

See the results of the multistate standard-setting studies (PDF) ETS has conducted.

For more information, email us at teachingandlearning@ets.org or call 1-866-243-4088.