2006 MSA Mathematics Technical Report


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview
	Historical Overview
	Development of Items and Tests to Meet the MSA Statewide
		Academic Learning Standards
	Test Design and Specifications
	Processing and Scoring of Test Materials
	Scoring Process Overview
	Handscoring Process
	Characteristics of the Test Population
Norm Referenced Test (NRT)
	NRT Test Design
	Distributions of NRT Scores
Criterion Referenced Test (CRT)
	CRT Test Design
	Classical Item Analysis
	Rater Agreement
	Differential Item Functioning (DIF)
	Item Fit Assessment
	Calibration and Equating
		IRT Model
		Calibration and Equating Procedure
		Calibration and Equating Results
	Distribution of the Maryland Score Scale
	The Relationship Between NRT and CRT
	The Score Distributions and Correlations of Content Standards
	Factor Analysis of the MSA Assessments
	Percent at or Above Cut (PAC)

Appendices
	A.	Summary Item Statistics
	B.	Rater Agreement and CR Item Distributions
	C.	Differential Item Functioning (DIF)
	D.	Misfit Item Plots
	E.	IRT Item Parameters
	F.	Common Item and Anchor Item Check
	G.	Figures of Scale Score Distributions
	H.	Factor Analysis
	I.	Calibration and Equating Summary

A complete copy of the 2006 MSA Mathematics Technical Report is also available.

Contact Information

Leslie Wilson, Assistant State Superintendent

Division of Accountability and Assessment
Maryland State Department of Education

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Maryland State Department of Education

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201