Why are there score ranges? How should I use them?

It is very important to remember that scores from any test are estimates of performance. No score should ever be treated as absolute. Score ranges indicate the range of measurement error around a particular score (score ranges include one standard error above and below the RIT score). We would expect that if a student took the test again relatively soon, his or her score would fall within this range most of the time. Students performing within the same score range have similar instructional needs.Any time a placement decision is being made for a student, the score range rather than a single RIT score should be used to help make the determination of whether the student falls above or below established criteria. Furthermore, no less than three points of data should ever be used to make important decisions.