If the system has no data on a student (such as a student using the system for the first time), the student gets a one-time Placement diagnostic so the system can determine the baseline.
Placement Diagnostics
These short diagnostics provide a quick way to determine the likely range of a student's instructional level. The instructional level is where the student's personalized practice begins.
First Time Adaptive Assessments
Once the placement diagnostics reduce down the likely range of a student's instructional level, adaptive assessment begins at a level within the range.
If a student masters the level,
the adaptive algorithm assesses the student at the next higher level until the student is not able to master a level. This is the student's instructional level and the assessment stops.
If a student does not master the level,
the adaptive algorithm assesses the student at the next lower level until the student masters a level. The lowest not mastered level is the student's instructional level and the assessment stops.
For stronger students, the placement and first time adaptive assessments may take a bit longer. Higher level of assessments have longer passages in order to assess high level of reading comprehension skills.
Beyond the First Time Assessments
Once the first time adaptive assessment determines a student's instructional level, subsequent assessments will be much quicker as it only needs to determine a student's growth as they demonstrate mastery at higher levels.
Note: Adaptive assessments beyond the first time will never assess the student at lower levels as the student has already proven their mastery.
The above functionality is supported for:
English Phonics and Reading Assessments
Spanish Phonics and Reading Assessments
Mandarin Reading Assessments
First Assessments for Kindergarteners
Timing and assessment requirements for Kindergarteners are decided by district/school leaders. Typically, an end-of-year assessment is appropriate to provide a baseline for entering first grade.
End of Year Assessments for Kindergarteners:
Spanish/English: Assess phonics and reading skills.
Mandarin: Assess reading skills only.
Graphical Representation for Placement Diagnostics and First Time Adaptive Assessments Functionality
