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State board adopts new passing-score norms for two new math assessments used in certification
Summary
The Alabama State Board of Education on June 9 adopted revised passing-score standards tied to two newly introduced national math assessments used for initial teacher certification and program admission; board members and staff said lower numeric cut scores reflect a new test scale, not a reduction in standards.
The Alabama State Board of Education voted unanimously June 9 to adopt modified passing-score standards that will apply as preconditions for initial teacher certification and for program admission where those specific math assessments are required.
Board staff told members the action responds to two brand-new mathematics assessments — one for high school and one for middle school — that replaced retired tests. Staff said the new tests use a different scoring scale and that the new numeric cut scores are lower than the old tests’ numbers but represent the same normed level of proficiency after a standard-setting process.
Why it matters: Certification and program-admission thresholds determine who is eligible to enter educator-preparation programs and to receive initial certification. Board action aligns Alabama’s passing-score requirements to the new national assessments and the standard-setting outcomes conducted for those assessments.
Board discussion and clarification: A department staff member explained the tests were retired and replaced and that “it’s not because we’re lowering the score on the same test. It’s that there is a new national average because it’s a new test.” The staff member reiterated the numeric change reflects a different scale and a re-normalization rather than a relaxation of professional expectations.
Formal action: The board moved to adopt the resolution amending the passing scores; the motion carried unanimously. The meeting record did not specify a named mover or seconder for the motion and did not supply a numeric vote count.
What the board did not say: The board and staff described the new tests and the standard-setting process but did not publish the exact numeric cut scores in the portion of the transcript provided.
Looking ahead: The change applies to the newly adopted assessments; the board did not attach additional implementation steps or a deadline in the recorded discussion.
