Lesson Three: Using the Objective Performance Index to Determine Specific Strengths and Needs

What is an objective performance index?

The objective performance index (OPI) is a criterion-referenced score which may be defined as the percent of test items answered correctly from an objective. OPIs are provided for only those objectives that have four or more test items.

 

How are OPIs interpreted?

OPIs show a group's level of mastery on test objectives. An OPI from 50 to 74 shows partial mastery of a test objective. An OPI below 50 indicates non-mastery of a test objective.

 

How are OPIs used?

Student, class, school, district, and national OPI information is provided on various reports. Reports also show the difference between the OPI for a local group and the national group. OPI point differences between a local group and the national group provide a method for determining how well the local group performed relative to the national group.

Another, possibly more meaningful method which may be used to determine how well a local group performed relative to the national group on test objectives is to examine the ratio of a local group's OPI's to the national OPIs.

The ratio method for comparing a local group's OPI to national OPIs will be explained below.

 

How are OPIs used?

OPI ratios may be used to determine strengths and needs relative to test objectives. Objectives with ratios of 1.05 or higher may be considered as areas of strength. Objectives with ratios of .95 or lower may be considered as areas of need.

 

On which reports are OPIs found?

Objective performance information for individual students is found on the report entitled, Individual Profile Report and on the teacher level Objectives Performance Report. OPIs for a given class, school, or district are provided on the Objectives Performance Summary.

 

How do I find my OPIs?

It's simple mathematics, but grab your calculator. Begin with your OPI for your grade or subject. Divide your OPI by the National OPI. The answer is your personal OPI ratio. If it's 1.05 or higher, count it as a strength. If it's .95 or lower, count it as a need. If it's in the middle, you are okay, but may need a little emphasis on that objective. Remember, the OPIs are given only for the objectives with more than four questions on the test. Be sure you cover all of the state's objectives in your curriculum. This link will take your to the state's objective site which includes Terra Nova Objectives and the number of questions for each objective that will be on the test.

 

 

Step One-

Using the Objectives Performance Report and the OPI Ratios Worksheet, calculate the OPIs for your class or subject.

Step Two-

Using your OPI information, and the scale 1.05 being an area of strength and below.95 being an area of need, list your strengths and needs on the Interpreting Your Group's OPI Information Worksheet.

Step Three-

Using your previously printed reports from the P.A.S.S. test scores, compare the objectives listed to see if your needs have been improved this school year, or if an area of strength has dropped. If you do not have your P.A.S.S. test results, you may access them HERE. Be sure to have your screen name and password ready.

Step Four-

Determine how you can alleviate areas of needs and reinforce strengths in your class or subject and submit those to me via email.

 

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