e-asTTle norms - Reading and Maths
Norms versus expectations
e-asTTle norms reflect the data collected in e-asTTle from 2007 until 2010 when the most recent re-calibration took place. For Reading and Maths, norms are available for Year 4 to Year 12.
The e-asTTle norms differ from the curriculum expectation.
The curriculum expected indicates how an average student in each year level should be progressing, according to the New Zealand curriculum documents.
The e-asTTle norms, however, indicate how the average student in New Zealand is progressing in the subject.
About generated e-asTTle scores
When e-asTTle scores are generated, they take into account the level of the questions asked. The possible combinations of e-asTTle questions are numerous and varied. You can create tests that vary widely in content, spread, and difficulty.
It should be noted that the norms are not specific to tests of a specific curriculum level or type. They are instead based on the combined data from all types of e-asTTle tests within an appropriate curriculum range.
What's included in the norming process
Only tests that are considered within an appropriate curriculum range for each year level are included in the norming process.
For example, while it is possible to administer a Year 9 student any level of test, only tests between 3A and 5A are included in the norming process. This avoids skewing the data from tests where the minimum or maximum possible scores are very low or very high.
The average values are calculated using rolling means across the quarters. This ensures the e-asTTle norms will always increase across the year.
Note that scores need to be at least 44 points apart before we can assume a non-chance difference.
For example, if the "Number Knowledge" average is 1530 in Year 8, Quarter 2 and the corresponding "Probability" score is 1516, you cannot necessarily conclude the Year 8 students are performing better in Number Knowledge than in Statistics.
Insufficient numbers to generate justifiable norms
There are some year levels in e-asTTle where insufficient numbers of appropriate tests to generate justifiable norms exist.
This is particularly evident at Years 10-12. At these year levels, there is a potential selection bias, where the data is representative of particular ability range of students.
To mitigate the effects of non-representative sampling, norms have been adjusted to reflect appropriate score values. These norms will be updated in future years as e-asTTle is used further by students at the upper year levels.
Download the norms
e-asTTle norms and curriculum expected for reading and maths by year level and time of the year.
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