Four things that could happen if your child scores below the 15th percentile

Most of my Oregon readers know that a total score, at or above the 15th percentile, means your student has made satisfactory progress. If so, you may proceed teaching your child for another year without involvement by the state.

The 15th percentile score represents a student’s ranking compared to students nationwide. The scale is 1 (low) to 99 (high). Students who score between 40 and 59 are in the average range.

Go here to learn more about this score and all the other scores that make up an achievement test report.

If your student scores below the 15th percentile for the total score, here’s what happens:

1.      Your student must test again within one year of when the first test was administered. This next test utilizes the next test level up.  It will be used to measure the student’s progress after a year of instruction.

2.      If, on this second test, your student’s total score percentile further declines, your student must test again within one year of the second test. During the school year leading up to this third test, the ESD Superintendent may (or may not) require your child’s education be supervised by a licensed teacher. This supervision will be at your expense. What it means to be “supervised” is undefined. It’s assumed the licensed teacher will know the frequency of supervisory meetings and the level of support needed to bring your student up to and above the 15th percentile.  

3.      If, on this third test, your student’s total score further declines, the ESD superintendent may (or may not) require your child’s education be supervised by a licensed teacher. A fourth test will be required within a year. The Superintendent, at his or her discretion, may simply by pass the above and require the student attend school for a period of time not to exceed not to exceed 12 consecutive months.

4.       If, after implementing one of the above instructional platforms, the student shows progress on a fourth test, the student is free to return to home schooling without state involvement. “Progress” on this fourth test is defined as scoring equal to or above the third test total score percentile rank.    

We’ve been administering tests for a few decades.  I’m unaware of any families who have gone through all 4 steps outlined above.  There are reasons for this which I’ll explain in a future post.

Thanks for reading!

Curt Bumcrot, MRE

Even though our final group test of the season was held last week, it’s still possible to schedule a private zoom test. To choose date and time contact Jenny at 503-557-2223 if interested in scheduling.