Comparison of 1965,1976,and 1978 Norms for the Wide Range Achievement Test

Abstract

A comparison of the 1965 and 1978 Wide Range Achievement Test norms indicates that the 1978 norms, generally, with the exception of the youngest age levels, provide lower standard scores on the reading and spelling subtests. Arithmetic norms, however, show a more variable pattern of change, with the 1978 norms frequently providing higher standard scores than the 1965 norms for the same raw scores. Most of the variation between the two sets of norms occurs primarily in the upper or lower portions of the ability range. Few changes appear between the 1976 and 1978 norms. Grade ratings for raw scores are the same for 1965 and 1976, but they are changed for 1978, with the 1978 grade ratings being markedly lower for the highest raw scores. Changes may be related to changes in ability level or to changes in the normative sample.