A Grade Equivalent (GE) score compares your child's test results to national averages. It shows the grade level and the month of school, helping parents gauge performance but often misunderstood.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is a grade equivalent score?
A Grade Equivalent (GE) score is a way to see how your child did on a test compared to others nationwide. It’s shown as a decimal, with the number before the dot representing the grade level and the number after showing the month of school. For example, a GE of 6.7 means your child is performing like an average 6th grader in their 7th month of school. These scores come from testing the same test on students in different grades and finding the middle score for each grade. Even though it seems simple, many people misunderstand or misuse GE scores.
The most common misunderstanding
When parents see their 2nd grader has a GE of 5.4 in reading, they might think their child is ready for 5th grade reading. This is a mistake. The score shows the child mastered 2nd grade reading as well as an average 5th grader would do on that same test. It doesn’t mean they can handle real 5th grade material, which is tougher. Also, if your child has a GE below their grade, it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. It's just one piece of the puzzle.
Why experts recommend caution
Experts like Pearson Assessments caution against using GE scores to make big decisions about your child’s learning. GE scores are ordinal, meaning they don't measure growth evenly. For instance, the jump from 2.0 to 3.0 isn’t the same as going from 7.0 to 8.0. Plus, scores can become unreliable for very high or low performers. Many think parents shouldn’t see these scores without a clear explanation.
Better alternatives for homeschoolers
Rather than focusing on GE scores, think about using percentile ranks, which show how your child is doing compared to peers, or stanine scores, which use a 1-9 scale for broader categories. These options give a better picture of performance without the confusion of grade levels. Remember, in homeschooling, curriculum can be different, and your child might not be familiar with standardized tests. One test is just a snapshot. Combine test results with your daily observations and student portfolios for a fuller view.
The bottom line
Grade Equivalent Scores can be misleading. Instead of asking, 'Is my child at grade level?', focus on their progress, enjoyment of learning, and skill development. GE scores can point out areas to look into but shouldn’t dictate curriculum choices or grade placement. Trust your daily observations and use percentile ranks when you need a clearer comparison.
