If a report indicates a significant drop or sustained low scores, educators typically investigate several environmental and behavioral factors:

Low effort or "blowing off" the test can lead to scores that do not reflect actual ability.

Sometimes, changes in scoring calibrations (such as the 2020 maintenance for K-2 assessments) can result in lower average scores as students get older.

Distractions, fatigue, or anxiety during the testing window can negatively impact results.

Students moving from the K-2 test to the 2-5 test may encounter unfamiliar content (e.g., long division), causing a temporary dip.