Types of Assessment
Overview of Tests
Overview of Tests
- Download On Demand Testing information (PDF - 145KB)
This document gives an overview of the On Demand Testing program. It includes some detailed information about how Adaptive tests work and contains a list of all available tests as at October 2008.
Types of Computer Test Questions
The assessments are composed of items in the following formats:
- multiple choice
- type in short answer
- hot spot
- drag and drop
- mathematical calculator - simple and scientific
- open text response.
Linear Tests
In a linear test, students receive a fixed set of questions using a variety of question types. All students are presented with the same questions in the same order during the test. Student responses are saved and stored by the computer and teachers are able to view and analyse the results at a student, class or question level.
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Standard Linear Tests
The system contains a number of general English and Mathematics linear tests as well as single dimension tests in Reading, Spelling and Number. Reports for Standard Linear Tests provide raw score and percentage correct information at student, class and question levels. These reports can assist teachers in identifying areas of strength or weakness.
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Progress Tests
A Progress Test is a type of linear test that is designed to measure outcomes around the expected Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) range for a given year level. Results from these tests provide an estimated VELS Progression Point score that can be used to corroborate teacher judgment in the specific area assessed. Progress Tests are currently available in Reading and Number for Years 3 to 8
As well as being available online, the Progress Tests are available as downloadable PDF documents for schools that wish to administer them as pencil and paper tests. A marking rubric and VELS translation table is provided for teachers with the PDF version of these tests.
Computer Adaptive Tests
Computer Adaptive Tests deliver sets of questions to students that vary according to student ability. Depending on the responses given in previous questions, the system presents progressively easier or more difficult questions to the student. The system contains general adaptive tests in English and Mathematics (60 questions) and single dimension tests (30 questions) in Reading, Writing Conventions, Spelling, Number, Space and Measurement, chance and data. There is currently only one report available for Computer Adaptive Tests - the ‘Class Standard Score Report’. This report provides immediate feedback on the results for each student, including an estimated VELS ability score. Question level analysis is not possible for Computer Adaptive Tests.
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