When using a linear trend model, what denotes a student's true score?

A student's true score within the context of a linear trend model represents the theoretical score that a student would achieve if all sources of error were removed from the assessment process. This concept is grounded in classical test theory, which posits that observed scores are made up of a true score component and an error component. Therefore, the true score can be viewed as an estimate of what a student could consistently achieve under ideal conditions, meaning no variability caused by factors such as testing environment, individual mood, or unforeseen circumstances.

Utilizing the linear trend model helps in predicting a student's performance based on their assessed abilities over time, providing a clearer picture of their academic progression. This understanding allows educators to focus on growth and learning trajectories instead of simply raw scores, which may not accurately reflect a student's abilities due to potential measurement errors. Consequently, this definition of a true score aligns with the aim of the linear trend model, which is to estimate a student's performance as reliably as possible.