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Compare Dashboard Overview (Technical)

The Compare Dashboard enables comprehensive analysis of STAAR test performance through standardized z-score calculations, allowing for meaningful comparisons across different subjects, years, and student populations.

Standardized Z-Score Implementation

The dashboard utilizes standardized z-scores to normalize STAAR test results, enabling fair comparisons across different test subjects and administration years. The z-score formula applied is:

Z = (X – μ) / σ

Where:

  • Z = standardized z-score
  • X = raw student/group scale score
  • μ = statewide mean scale score for the specific test
  • σ = statewide standard deviation for the specific test

Dashboard Components

Compare Students Section:

  • Two Year Comparison: Analyzes individual student performance across consecutive testing years
  • Subject to Subject Comparison: Cross-curricular performance analysis using normalized z-scores

Compare Subjects Section:

  • Multi Year Comparison: Longitudinal trend analysis across 2022-2024
  • Multi Year Comparison by Ethnicity: Demographic performance analysis
  • Multi Subject Comparison: Cross-subject performance evaluation

Chart Analysis Features

The main visualization displays Average Standard Scores for STAAR Tests (2022, 2023, 2024) with:

  • Y-axis scale: -1.0 to +0.9 standard deviations from state mean
  • Zero baseline: Represents the statewide average performance (50th percentile)
  • Color-coded bars: Different years shown in distinct colors for each subject
  • Subject coverage: Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Algebra 1, English 1, English 2, Biology, and U.S. History

TEA Technical Reference Integration

The z-score calculations reference TEA Technical Digest Mean Values which provide:

  • Annual statewide mean scale scores by subject and grade level
  • Standard deviation values for normalization calculations
  • Reliability coefficients from internal consistency reports (typically Cronbach’s alpha values)

Statistical Interpretation

Positive z-scores (+0.1 to +0.9): Performance above state average Negative z-scores (-0.1 to -1.0): Performance below state average Zero z-score: Performance at exact state average

The standardization process accounts for:

  • Year-to-year test difficulty variations
  • Subject-specific scaling differences
  • Population demographic changes

This technical framework ensures that comparisons remain valid and meaningful across the diverse STAAR testing landscape, providing educators with reliable data for instructional decision-making.

Note: Each of these comparison components will be discussed individually in separate Knowledge Base Articles with detailed functionality and use case examples.

Updated on 05/29/2025

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