Age Equivalent
Assessments & EvaluationsDefinition
A score from a standardized assessment that describes a student's performance in terms of the age at which that performance is typical. For example, an age equivalent of 6 years 3 months means the student performed like a typical child of that age. Caution: age equivalents can be misleading and should not be the primary measure for IEP decisions.
Have questions about Age Equivalent?
Upload your child's IEP and ask the AI how Age Equivalent applies to your specific situation — with citations from your state's laws.
Ask the AI About Age EquivalentFeatured in Cheat Sheets
Related Terms
A score from a standardized assessment expressed as the grade level at which a student's performance is considered typical. For example, a grade equivalent of 3.5 means the student scored like a typical student in the fifth month of third grade. Like age equivalents, grade equivalents can be misleading and are not recommended as the sole basis for educational decisions.
A score that indicates how far above or below average a student performs compared to same-age peers. Most standard scores have a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. A score of 85 is one standard deviation below average; a score of 70 is two standard deviations below average.
An assessment that compares a student's performance to a national sample of students of the same age or grade. Results are reported as standard scores, percentile ranks, or age/grade equivalents. These tests help identify whether a student is performing significantly below expectations.
More in Assessments & Evaluations
Navigate the IEP process with confidence
IEP Advocate.ai uses AI to help you understand your child's documents, know your rights, and prepare for IEP meetings — backed by your state's laws.
Start Your Free Trial