In Brasil, the Item Response Theory (IRT) has been used on the production of the pupil's proficience in large scale assessment. However, its different kinds of models may be used to build others indices as is the case of socio-economic status index. This study presents and compares some techniques based on IRT that can lead to these indices. As a case study, the socio-economic index of the pupil's family, who have participated of the SIMAVE-2002 - assessment program of the Minas Gerais State, is produced. In addition, it is given some suggestions and guidelines for future socio-economic status index that will be produced in SIMAVE.
item response theory; multidimensional model; socio-economic status
