stanine

[ stey-nahyn ]

noun

, Statistics.

1. a method of grouping test scores on a nine-point standardized scale having a standard deviation of two and a mean of five, and representing a bell curve divided into nine sections (often used attributively):

   Stanine scores provide a quick and convenient way of making direct comparisons.

2. a score on this scale, expressed as a whole number from one to nine, with one being the lowest:

   Raw test scores can be converted to stanines, standard scores, percentiles, or grade equivalencies.

   A student scoring below the 50th percentile, or in stanines 1–4, is likely to have some reading difficulties.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stanine¹

First recorded in 1940–45; abbreviation of standard ( def ) nine ( def )