This paper examines the process of cut score adjustments using standard error (SE) values. This process can be used by test sponsors when needed to implement cut scores that meet their content-based and policy-based goals for the assessment. Standard setting can be conceptualized as a process where many different pieces of information are collected and evaluated to establish cut scores. As such, test sponsors can make moderately sized adjustments to educator-recommended cut scores that (a) meet the policy-based objectives of the testing program and (b) maintain the same content-based interpretations as intended by standard setting panelists (e.g., preserve the link between cut scores and PLDs). By using panelist-recommended cut scores as a base and making small, SE-linked adjustments when necessary, test sponsors can establish highly defensible performance standards.
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