| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
- 2. The data input process was accurate and the data in the database are accurate;
- 3. Assumes the CTB / McGraw-Hill–TerraNova provided an accurate and valid test score;
- 4. Other factors not considered apply equally to all of the students in the study.
Definition of Terms
Internet—Global networks connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions (Webopedia, 2004, ¶ 1).
Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)—A unique 128-bit number that is produced by the Windows OS or by some Windows applications to identify a particular component, application, file, database entry, and / or user (Webopedia, 2004, 1).
Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) Score—The NCE was developed to allow mathematical manipulation of National Percentile (NP) scores—especially for program evaluation and research requiring the comparison of scores across groups or across time. The NCE scores can be thought of as NP scores rescaled on an equal interval scale (which allows them to be used in mathematical calculations such as deriving a mean score) (Indiana Department of Education, 2005; Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) Score section,1).
CTB / McGraw-Hill–TerraNova—The TerraNova is the standardized test adopted by the State of New Mexico for use in all schools. This is a norm-referenced test (McGraw-Hill, 2004,2).
San Miguel GEARUP Partnership—Located in rural Northeastern New Mexico the NMHU / San Miguel GEARUP Project is a U.S. Department of Education five-year grant designed to increase the number of low-income students who will be prepared to enter and succeed in college. GEARUP serves an entire cohort of students beginning in the sixth grade and following them as a cohort through the completion of high school (U.S. Department of Education, 2004).