A comparison of Angoff and Bookmark standard setting methods

This article presents a comparison of simplified variations on two prevalent methods, Angoff and Bookmark, for setting cut scores on educational assessments. The comparison is presented through an application with a Grade 7 Mathematics Assessment in a midwestern school district. Training and operational methods and procedures for each method are described in detail along with comparative results for the application. An alternative item ordering strategy for the Bookmark method that may increase its usability is also introduced. Although the Angoff method is more widely used, the Bookmark method has some promising features, specifically in educational settings. Teachers are able to focus on the expected performance of the "barely proficient" student without the additional challenge of estimating absolute item difficulty.