For each module, your performance is evaluated against an established standard. The minimum qualifying scores for each module are determined by the PDE and are based, in part, on the professional judgments and recommendations of Pennsylvania educators.
The total module score, which is reported on a scale of 100 to 300, is based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly. For PAPA: Writing, the selected-response questions answered correctly and accurate revisions to the short-answer sentence corrections account for 80 percent of your total module score, and the extended constructed-response assignment accounts for 20 percent of your total module score.
Scoring constructed responses. Information about the scoring of constructed responses for the PAPA, including performance characteristics and the score scale, is available in the preparation materials. Review them now.
Your score report is provided to you with information about how to read your score report. You can also review that information here; select a test from the list below.
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Effective September 1, 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education implemented the "Composite Score Option" for the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessments (PAPA). This option provides an alternative means by which candidates may pass the PAPA. Candidates who took a PAPA test on or after September 1, 2012, may be able to pass the PAPA series using this option.
The Composite Score Option for PAPA was initiated to enable a candidate who may excel in one area such as mathematics, but who is not strong in another PAPA area, to receive a passing score on the PAPA series. In order to qualify, a candidate must meet or exceed a minimum score in each test area (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing) and meet or exceed the PAPA Qualifying Score (220) in at least one area. The candidate's test scores are added together, and if the scores total 686, the candidate has passed the PAPA series. The Minimum Scores required for the Composite Score Option are shown below.
| Test Name | Test # | PAPA Qualifying Score | Minimum Composite Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPA Reading | 001 | 220 | 193 |
| PAPA Mathematics | 002 | 220 | 197 |
| PAPA Writing | 003 | 220 | 192 |
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Minimum Composite Score Total: 686 The sum of the three PAPA test scores must total or exceed 686. This total does not represent the sum of the three minimum scores. Candidates must achieve the PAPA Qualifying Score (220) in at least one area and also reach the Minimum Composite Score Total. |
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Candidates can also pass the PAPA series by the standard method of achieving a score of 220 or higher on all three PAPA tests.
