InnerOrbit uses default proficiency ranges to help educators interpret dimensional data in reports. These ranges are informed by patterns in state science test scale scores and can be used to track student performance towards state assessments.
What This Help Article Covers:
👀 How Can I See Student Proficiency in My Reports?
The Dimensions Report tracks proficiency percentages by breaking them down across the three NGSS dimensions:
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)
These percentages represent the percentage of questions answered correctly for that dimension across ALL your students and assessments in a given school year.
You'll also see color-coded proficiency scales in the Dimensions Report. The default proficiency ranges are:
These ranges are what determines the color scale in your Dimensions Report (and for district admin, your District Report).
Customizing Proficiency Ranges
The default proficiency ranges are fully customizable.
To adjust:
Click inside the proficiency range box.
Input the desired value.
Press "Enter" to apply your changes.
📊 What Do These Ranges Mean?
InnerOrbit’s proficiency ranges are based on patterns observed in state science test scale scores.
📌 How are these ranges determined?
Across multiple states, students generally need to score between 40%-60% of total points on their state test to be considered proficient.
Because of this trend, InnerOrbit sets "proficient" at 40%-60% for dimensional data.
📖 Want to learn more about your state's science test cut scores and recommended InnerOrbit cut scores? Read: InnerOrbit Cut Scores for State Test Alignment
❓ Do These Ranges Apply to My State?
Each state’s science test scale scores vary and may shift slightly each year.
InnerOrbit’s default proficiency ranges are an average of multiple states, so your state’s specific proficiency levels may differ.
If you’d like custom proficiency ranges set for your district based on your state test, please contact your account manager.
👀 Click here to view state-specific proficiency cut scores and recommended InnerOrbit cut scores.
📌 Example: Oklahoma’s Science Test Scale Scores (2022)
In Oklahoma, a 5th grader needs at least 100 points (out of 199) to be considered proficient.
This equates to a 50% proficiency threshold for that year.
Oklahoma <> InnerOrbit Cut Scores
OK <> IO |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
5th Grade | OK score range | 200-271 | 272-299 | 300-329 | 330-399 |
| OK points needed | 0/199 | 72/199 | 100/199 | 130/199 |
| InnerOrbit cut score | 0% | 36% | 50% | 65% |
8th Grade | OK score range | 200-278 | 279-299 | 300-329 | 330-399 |
| OK points needed | 0/199 | 79/199 | 100/199 | 130/199 |
| InnerOrbit cut score | 0% | 40% | 50% | 65% |
11th Grade | OK score range | 200-277 | 278-299 | 300-326 | 327-399 |
| OK points needed | 0/199 | 78/199 | 100/199 | 127/199 |
| InnerOrbit cut score | 0% | 39% | 50% | 64% |
🧪 Research on InnerOrbit Assessments & State Science Test Results
A 2025 study comparing InnerOrbit summative assessment scores with NGSS State Test proficiency levels found an average alignment of 97% (with no alignment below 90%).
📖 To learn more about this study, read: InnerOrbit Alignment with State Test Results
💡 What does this mean for you?
You can use InnerOrbit’s proficiency ranges to help track student performance on your state science test.
This study suggests that schools and districts can confidently leverage InnerOrbit assessments and our high-quality 3D student data to monitor NGSS mastery and gauge performance on state tests.
⚠️ Important Note: These alignment results are based on summative assessments that include only 2D and 3D questions, as these best match the rigor of state science tests.
More State Test Prep Resources
For additional resources on how to use InnerOrbit for state test preparation:
👀 Explore: State Test Prep Learning Hub Page
Need more help?
For additional assistance, click on "Send us a message" in the site chat or email us support@innerorbit.com.