Acuity

Acuity has changed since last year.  2014-15 Acuity Report Guide has a list of the reports and how to interpret them.

Below are some answers to some FAQ from CTB and the IDOE.  It will help to understand the differences between the Predictive Assessments and the Readiness Assessments.

1. Will the new E/LA and Math Readiness assessments predict proficiency on ISTEP+? No. The Acuity online reports will not contain any predictions or scale scores.

2. What will educators see in the new E/LA and Math Readiness reports? The Acuity Readiness reports present learning data based on 2014 Indiana Academic Standards. Learning data reports are generated from student assessments and instructional resource assignments. For example, to view proficiency by academic standard, we recommend selecting a Student Assessment, Item Analysis, or Matrix report. These reports will provide more actionable learning data than a Roster report.

3. Are the Readiness assessments designed like the former Predictive assessments? No. The items are all on grade level and offer a mix of multiple-choice and technology-enhanced items (TE) to support the move to College- and Career-Ready (CCR) standards. Also, each form contains unique items so students will not see the same item twice. Given this, it is possible that students will see items aligned to standards not yet covered in the classroom. Additional time may be needed for students to complete the new Readiness assessments. The content of Readiness assessments is aligned to ISTEP+, however in some instances, the Acuity platform may present items differently than ISTEP+.

4. Are Readiness items considered “secure”? Prior to test administration the items are considered secure. Once the assessments have been administered to all students in a grade level, the items may be used for educator professional development or with students as part of instruction. To view an item, point to the underlined item number in an Assessment or Item Analysis report and click. The actual question, distractors, and correct answer will be shown.

5. Can we take the Readiness assessments offline (paper and pencil)? Yes. Acuity offers E/LA and Math assessments for online and offline test administration. The paper/pencil forms have the word “Offline” in the assessment name. Schools will need to locally print and hand score any paper/pencil assessments.

6. What Technology-Enhanced items will students see on the Readiness forms? All forms contain a mix of multiple-choice and TE items which may offer multiple-correct response, drag-and-drop, and evidence-based selected response. During online test administration, Acuity TE items may be presented differently than other online platforms. Also, some may appear different in an offline format. Students will progressively view more TE items from Readiness 1 to Readiness 3 forms. Schools may need to allow students more time to complete these assessments given the item rigor and complexity.

7. How should we discuss Readiness assessments with our students? Set appropriate expectations. The items on these new forms are all on grade level. It is possible that students may see questions on topics not yet covered in the classroom. When reviewing Acuity Readiness reports, focus on proficiency by academic standard. Was the standard covered in class? Student Assessment, Item Analysis, and Classroom Matrix reports offer this level of detail. Next, look at the item type (multiple-choice or TE), the correct answer, and the distractors.

8. Why are there two parts to the Math Readiness assessment for some grades? The Acuity system automatically enables a calculator for some test items. This is not designed to reflect what may be allowed for ISTEP+ Math items. Schools may decide to allow calculators for any part of a Math Readiness assessment.

9. Can students use reference sheets during a Readiness assessment? Although the assessment items are designed for completion without reference sheets, schools may allow students to use them during test administration.

10. Given the rigor and complexity of the Readiness items, can students complete each assessment over more than one class period? Yes, schools may allow students to save their answers and return to complete the Readiness assessment. All students should complete the assessment during the established, approved IDOE Acuity test windows.