John is a second grade student who received a grade equivalent score of 4.5 on the reading comprehension subtest. As a counselor, how should this score be interpreted?

The correct interpretation of John's grade equivalent score of 4.5 indicates that he is performing at a fourth grade level in reading comprehension. A grade equivalent score represents the level at which a student's performance aligns with the average performance of students in a given grade. Therefore, in this case, a score of 4.5 signifies that John's reading comprehension skills are on par with those of an average fourth grader.

This context is critical because it helps to understand John's capabilities in relation to his current grade level. While it suggests he is performing above his second-grade level, other options like stating he should be advanced or performing below his grade level do not accurately reflect what the score indicates.

The option suggesting that the score could not be interpreted without examining how the instrument was developed overlooks the established understanding of grade equivalent scores in education. While the development of the assessment instrument is vital for validation, the general interpretation of a grade equivalent score does offer meaningful insight into John's reading performance and alignment with appropriate grade expectations. Thus, the focus on the score's place within an educational framework confirms John's abilities effectively.