FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does a stanine score of 3 indicate about Mary's performance?

1. Mary is performing at an advanced level

2. Mary is performing below her peer group

3. Mary is the highest performer in her class

4. Mary is meeting expected standards

The correct answer is: Mary is performing below her peer group

A stanine score of 3 falls within the lower range of the scale that typically ranges from 1 to 9. This scoring system is designed to provide a simple way to understand a student's performance relative to a normative group. Specifically, a stanine score of 3 indicates that Mary is performing below her peers, as it shows that her performance is below the average range (which is generally considered to be scores of 4, 5, or 6). Stanine scores are often interpreted in relation to standard deviations, where scores below 4 suggest lower performance levels compared to the middle range of the group. This scoring is helpful for educators to identify areas where students may need additional support or intervention. Therefore, a score of 3 serves as an indication for educators that Mary may require attention to improve her understanding or skills in particular areas.