Placement Testing: Two Methods

Placement Testing: Two Methods

Corrective Mathematics Placement Tests are used to determine entry points for student success in both modules and lessons. There are two placement methods in Corrective Mathematics. Teachers use either of these methods to place students into the program. 

• The preferred method is administering the Comprehensive Placement Test found on pages 31–35 of the Corrective Mathematics Series Guide. This helps teachers determine the module and specific lessons that students should begin Corrective Mathematics. 

• The other method includes administering Pre-skill and Placement tests found in the Teacher’s Presentation Book of each module and at sraonline.com. The Modular Pre-skill Test gauges the prerequisite skills needed to work in the module, while placement tests indicate the appropriate entry levels or determine whether students are too advanced to be placed in the module. Placement tests can also function as pre- and post-tests to assess students’ growth in the Corrective Mathematics module.  

It is not necessary to administer the modular Pre-skill or Placement Tests if the Comprehensive Placement Test is used, and module-specific tests are used by teachers who are considering using one module to address an identified skills deficit.

Poor student placement can lead to learning and behaviour problems. Tasks that are too easy bore students, while overly challenging tasks lead to frustration. Proper student placement enables students to master content within time.