What scale, ranging from 001-999, is useful for comparing performance in one subject across classes, schools, and districts?

The correct answer is scale scores. Scale scores provide a systematic method for measuring student performance consistently across different groups, such as classes, schools, and districts. This standardization allows for meaningful comparison and analysis, as it adjusts for varying levels of difficulty in assessments.

Scale scores are beneficial because they convert raw test scores into a common scale, making it easier to interpret performance levels. This metric helps educators and administrators assess whether students meet learning standards, identify trends in academic achievement over time, and make informed decisions about curriculum and instruction.

In contrast, raw scores are simply the number of questions answered correctly and do not take into account the difficulty of the test or allow for comparison across different tests. Standard scores convert raw scores in a way that allows for comparison within a specific context, but they typically rely on a predetermined mean and standard deviation. Composite scores are calculated from various assessments or components, which can dilute the specific feedback about performance in one subject area compared to scale scores.