Evaluating the Classification Accuracy of Reclassification Decisions for Predicting Academic Achievement of English Learners

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Development, Validation, and Psychometric Testing of Assessments

Abstract

English learners perform lower on national and state assessments compared to their native English-speaking peers. Reclassification is a pivotal moment when English learners meet state-established criteria to no longer justify additional supports. The current study analyzes reclassification decisions through a classification accuracy lens. We analyzed student-level data from English learners and reclassified-English learners in North Carolina in grades three through eight. Furthermore, we conducted analyses by subgroup characteristics. Findings indicate that the accuracy of reclassification decisions are higher for English language arts compared to mathematics. In addition, the accuracy of reclassification decisions is higher for students who are also identified with a learning disability.

Authors

• Anthony Sparks, Southern Methodist University

• Doris Luft Baker, University of Texas at Austin

• Deni L. Basaraba, Amplify Education