Compare student data to state (not local) norms

…in conceptualizing the cut score against which a given student’s performance should be compared, it can be argued that the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (2006) gives clear direction:

"The child does not achieve adequately for the child’s age or to meet state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas, when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the child’s age or State-approved grade-level standards…. (§300.309[a][1])"

This provision indicates that the benchmark against which a student’s deficiency is determined should be the student’s performance in relation to the state (not local) standards.

Kovaleski, J. (2007). Response to Intervention: Considerations for Research and Systems Change. School Psychology Review, 36 (4), p.638-646.