To determine if equal raw scores have the same "meaning" for students tested "in" and "out-of-level," four "out-of-level" grade groups who took the Vocabulary, Reading, and Mathematics Concepts subtests of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills typically administered to fifth graders were compared to "in level" control groups. The analyses revealed a few significant item-by-group interactions, but the magnitude of these components suggested their influence was minimal in overall score variability. It was concluded that equal raw scores have essentially the same "meaning" regardless of a child's actual grade level. (Author)