Larry Beer, Denver Battalion ESS; Superintendent Dan
McMinimee, Jeffco School District; Capt. Douglas Latimer, 2nd Company Commander; Staff Sgt. Matthew McCracken, Lakewood Center Leader. Courtesy photo.
State Adjusts ASVAB Standard to Track School Performance
By USAREC Public Affairs Office
Sept. 18, 2015
Student performance on standardized tests are among the criteria Colorado uses to measure school performance. The ASVAB was recently included, but Colorado’s standard for the ASVAB was set at a score of 50 or higher for (AFQT).
Since a score of 50 AFQT dismissed a significant percentage of test takers, it was not a useful measure of school performance, therefore provided little incentive for the state’s schools to offer the ASVAB.
After meeting with Denver Battalion Education Service Specialist Larry Beer this summer to discuss a revised standard for the ASVAB, the Colorado Department of Education approved a measure Sept. 9, for an ASVAB standard of 31.
While minimum AFQT scores can vary over time and by service, a 31 is more closely aligned with the military standard it sets a significant precedent, because the ASVAB is now a viable option for schools to attain higher performance ratings.
Beer said recruiters can use this information to inform schools about the ASVAB’s potential and look for other ways to partner with them, such as offering the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.
“By being valued partners with American schools, [the schools] are far more likely to allow recruiters to inform students about the many incredible opportunities the Army has to offer, including education and training,” Beer said.
With the nation-wide emphasis on standardized testing, other states may include the ASVAB when measuring school performance.
“If so, it behooves us to pay attention to how they use the ASVAB and whether or not they understand how it relates to military standards,” Beer said.
By USAREC Public Affairs Office
Sept. 18, 2015
Student performance on standardized tests are among the criteria Colorado uses to measure school performance. The ASVAB was recently included, but Colorado’s standard for the ASVAB was set at a score of 50 or higher for (AFQT).
Since a score of 50 AFQT dismissed a significant percentage of test takers, it was not a useful measure of school performance, therefore provided little incentive for the state’s schools to offer the ASVAB.
After meeting with Denver Battalion Education Service Specialist Larry Beer this summer to discuss a revised standard for the ASVAB, the Colorado Department of Education approved a measure Sept. 9, for an ASVAB standard of 31.
While minimum AFQT scores can vary over time and by service, a 31 is more closely aligned with the military standard it sets a significant precedent, because the ASVAB is now a viable option for schools to attain higher performance ratings.
Beer said recruiters can use this information to inform schools about the ASVAB’s potential and look for other ways to partner with them, such as offering the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.
“By being valued partners with American schools, [the schools] are far more likely to allow recruiters to inform students about the many incredible opportunities the Army has to offer, including education and training,” Beer said.
With the nation-wide emphasis on standardized testing, other states may include the ASVAB when measuring school performance.
“If so, it behooves us to pay attention to how they use the ASVAB and whether or not they understand how it relates to military standards,” Beer said.