Let’s think back to the model for valid assessment results that was presented in Module 1. Assessment results are valid when we can make accurate inferences about student’s knowledge and skills. Valid results from state content tests should indicate the extent to which the student has attained proficiency in grade-level content standards.

To review, the three components driving valid assessment results are:

• What is assessed?
• How is it assessed?
• What do the results mean?

We will discuss the last component (i.e., What do the results mean?) in this module. However, it is important to consider that the validity of assessment results depends on all three components. That is, if educators have not determined the content that is assessed, or how the content is assessed (e.g., will the student need accommodations?), then it will be impossible to interpret the results accurately.