Scoring a Maze assessment, a common curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tool used in educational settings, involves a specific calculation based on correct selections and errors made within a set time limit. The final score is determined by subtracting one-half of the number of errors from the total number of correctly selected words.
Understanding the Maze Assessment
A Maze assessment presents students with a passage where every seventh word has been removed. In place of each removed word, three options are provided. The student's task is to read the passage and select the word that best fits the context for each missing word. This assessment is designed to measure reading comprehension and fluency.
The Scoring Formula
The core of scoring a Maze assessment lies in its precise formula, which balances accuracy and reading rate. Students are typically given 3 minutes to complete as many items as possible.
The formula for the final Maze score is:
Final Score = Number of Correct Selections - (0.5 × Number of Errors)
Components of the Score
To accurately apply this formula, it's important to understand how each component is defined:
- Number of Correct Selections: This refers to the total count of instances where the student correctly identifies and selects the appropriate word from the three given options for a missing word in the passage.
- Number of Errors: Errors include any instance where the student selects an incorrect option or skips an item without making a selection. Each incorrect or skipped response contributes to the error count.
- Time Limit: The assessment is typically administered with a strict 3-minute time limit. Only responses made within this window are counted.
Practical Example
Let's consider a student who attempts a Maze assessment:
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Number of Correct Selections: 20
- Number of Errors: 6 (e.g., 4 incorrect choices, 2 skipped items)
Using the formula:
Final Score = 20 - (0.5 × 6)
Final Score = 20 - 3
Final Score = 17
This scoring method provides a comprehensive measure that reflects both the student's ability to comprehend the text and their efficiency in processing information.
Scoring Components at a Glance
For clarity, here's a summary of how each element contributes to the Maze assessment score:
| Scoring Component | Definition | Contribution to Score |
|---|---|---|
| Correct Selections | Choosing the correct word from the three options for a missing word. | Adds 1 point per correct selection. |
| Errors | Selecting an incorrect word or skipping an item within the time limit. | Subtracts 0.5 points per error. |
| Unattempted Items | Items not reached or attempted by the student within the 3-minute time frame. | Do not contribute to the error count or correct selections. |
| Time Limit | Responses are only counted if completed within the designated 3 minutes. | Crucial for determining which responses are included in scoring. |
Why This Scoring Method?
The scoring method for Maze assessments is specifically designed to provide a sensitive and reliable indicator of a student's reading proficiency. By penalizing errors, it discourages guessing and emphasizes accurate comprehension over mere speed. The balance between correct answers and errors offers a nuanced view of a student's ability to construct meaning from text, reflecting their cognitive processing and understanding of contextual clues.
Maze assessments are a valuable tool for monitoring progress in reading comprehension and identifying students who may need additional support. Resources like Acadience Learning and Reading Rockets provide further insights into these and other curriculum-based measurements.
