Difference between scaling and aligning? (1 Viewer)

[Simorgh]

I always thought the two meant the same thing and could be used interchangeably. But now I realise there two different things by reading a couple of recent threads.

So what are they and how do they differ from each other?

 

[Speed6]

Aligning is the process by which the BOS adjusts external exam marks to match the performance descriptor bands - the adjusting of the raw marks to the bands e.g. a raw exam mark of 82 could be aligned to 90 so all marks above 82 will be Band 6.

Scaling is the process UAC uses to compare all the subjects so that the ATARs can accurately reflect the achievements of the cohort.

Credit goes to cem for this exemplar explanation

 

[D94]

You might also hear something called 'optional question scaling', where if you do a subject that has several options per module, it's possible that specific question is bias towards a certain question, therefore it is appropriate to adjust that option to ensure fairness. This is a process that comes before the aligning of the moderated assessment marks and HSC exam marks.

 

[D94]

Aligning is the process by which the BOS adjusts external exam marks to match the performance descriptor bands - the adjusting of the raw marks to the bands e.g. a raw exam mark of 82 could be aligned to 90 so all marks above 82 will be Band 6.

Scaling is the process UAC uses to compare all the subjects so that the ATARs can accurately reflect the achievements of the cohort.

Credit goes to cem for this exemplar explanation

Not just exam marks, but also the moderated assessment marks. They also need to be aligned to the standards.