CTB/McGRAW-HILL’S ACUITY™ ALGEBRA SELECTED
FOR RAND CORPORATION EDUCATION RESEARCH STUDY
Algebra Assessment Will Help Evaluate School Math Programs
Nationwide
Monterey, CA – May 30, 2007 - CTB/McGraw-Hill
today announced that Acuity Algebra, the newest addition to the
Acuity family of breakthrough diagnostic and predictive benchmark
assessments, has been selected as the standard achievement assessment
for a major RAND Corporation study of the effectiveness of a technology-based
mathematics curriculum. The five-year study, funded by a $6 million
grant from the U.S. Department of Education, is designed to rigorously
evaluate the curriculum. The study’s results will help schools
nationwide in selecting the most effective mathematics curricula
for their students.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing
objective analysis and effective solutions for public and private
sectors around the world. In this study, RAND researchers will use
Acuity Algebra to examine how the performance of students using
the software-based curriculum compares with students receiving traditional
paper-and-pencil instruction in algebra. Using the Acuity Algebra
Readiness Exam as a pre-test, and the Acuity Algebra Proficiency
Exam as a post-test, the study will provide RAND with reliable information
to evaluate whether students achieve more in algebra through the
traditional or software-based curricula.
“To evaluate technology-based math curricula in a broad
study like ours, we needed an assessment instrument with a solid
psychometric and statistical basis that is practical to apply on
a large scale. Acuity Algebra offers two linked assessments for
consistency and accuracy, and provides the hard data we need,”
said John Pane, senior scientist at the RAND Corporation.
The Acuity assessments will be used by RAND to evaluate student
performance in a diverse set of public schools across the country.
The study will be conducted at approximately 130 middle and high
schools in Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee,
and Texas, primarily with students in grades 9-11. The study is
part of a larger U.S. Department of Education initiative to obtain
rigorous information on educational programs, in order to further
the evidence-base for mathematics instructional materials and practices.
“The RAND Corporation is respected for its quality of work
and solutions, and we’re honored that Acuity can contribute
to this important study,” said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill.
“Educational research is the foundation of assessment and
reporting, and the selection of Acuity is a testament to the talent
and expertise of the national educators, content developers and
research scientists that worked collaboratively to build Acuity
in support of student achievement.”
About Acuity Algebra
Acuity Algebra is a comprehensive set of online Algebra placement
and assessment tools for grades 6-12, consisting of four key components:
- Readiness Exam
- 13 Formative Assessments, including a Pre-Algebra Survey
- Item Bank of 500 Items
- Proficiency Exam
These Acuity Algebra components are designed to reflect the educational
objectives of state, district, and Diocesan curriculum guides, as
well as major textbooks and instructional programs. Acuity Algebra
is also aligned with national standards, most notably the Principles
and Standards of School Mathematics from the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
The Readiness Exam is given to students who are eligible to take
Algebra I in the upcoming school year. Results from the Readiness
Exam are used to help determine the likelihood of success in Algebra
I and to assist teachers and administrators with placing students
in the appropriate math classes. The Formative Assessments are given
during the course of an Algebra I class to assess students’
understanding of the subject matter and to guide instruction by
identifying strengths and weaknesses.
The Formative Item Bank provides teachers with the flexibility
to create their own assessments and analyze the results. The Proficiency
Exam is administered to Algebra I students at or near the end of
the school year to measure student mastery of the concepts.
Acuity Algebra can be integrated into an existing Acuity program,
or administered separately.
For more information, call (800) 538-9547 or visit www.acuityforschool.com
About CTB/McGraw-Hill
As the nation's leading publisher of standardized and standards-based
achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school,
and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of
assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part
of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education (MHE),
a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). MHE is a leading
global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions
that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill
Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than
40 languages. Additional information is available at www.ctb.com.
Media Inquiries
Kelley Carpenter
Director, Communications
McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting
(831) 393-7196
kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com |
