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How to Read Your Child’s State Test Score Report

State standardized test score reports look different depending on the state, but most share a common structure. This guide walks through the typical elements you will find on a state test score report and how to interpret them.

Scaled Score

Most state reports include a scaled score specific to that test’s scale. For example, a score of 1547 on one state test and a score of 74 on another are both scaled scores — the numbers only have meaning within that particular test’s scale. The raw scaled score alone tells you very little without context. Focus on the performance level instead.

Performance Level (Most Important)

This is the most immediately useful piece of information on a state test report. Performance levels use labels like “Proficient,” “Meets Grade Level,” “Basic,” or numbered levels (1–4 or 1–5). The state has set specific thresholds that determine which level a given scaled score falls into.

While level names vary, the general structure is consistent: the top one or two levels indicate students are meeting or exceeding grade-level academic standards. The middle level often indicates approaching but not yet meeting standards. The lower levels indicate significant gaps in grade-level skills.

Subscale or Strand Scores

Many state reports include performance indicators for specific sub-areas of the subject. A math report might break down performance in Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, and Measurement and Data separately. These subscores indicate where specific strengths and weaknesses lie and are useful for guiding targeted instruction or at-home practice.

How to Use the Report

  1. Identify the overall performance level first — is your child meeting, approaching, or below grade-level standards?
  2. Review subscores or strand scores to identify specific areas of strength or concern.
  3. Compare year over year: is performance improving, stable, or declining?
  4. Compare to other data sources — does this align with what teachers and MAP or STAR results show?
Tip: Many state education agencies post “parent guides” to their specific test score reports on their website. Search for your state name plus “test score report parent guide” for a tailored explanation. Also see Find Your State’s Standardized Test.