CTB/McGraw-Hill's Acuity Science Features Innovative Questions to Measure Scientific Reasoning Skills

MONTEREY, Calif. (Map) - MONTEREY, Calif., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As educators seek more tools to boost learning and achievement in science, CTB/McGraw-Hill is bringing interactive items into its Acuity(TM) Science online formative assessment product. Known as "innovative items" throughout the assessment industry, these types of items allow educators to evaluate student understanding of specific scientific reasoning skills relative to state standards. As the only online formative assessment solution to include innovative items, Acuity Science enables teachers in Grades 3-8 to efficiently measure and track student understanding and progress and deliver reports that can inform science instruction.

"Science instructors understand that students need inquiry-based questions that require analytical thinking to fully grasp scientific concepts," said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill. "Acuity Science's unique innovative items enable educators to better assess students' proficiency. The addition of an item authoring tool adds even greater flexibility by allowing customization of test items to support learning."

The innovative items, which are modeled after engaging scientific activities, reveal students' science understanding at a greater depth of knowledge. All of the items require students to make interpretations based on the outcomes of scenarios they control. In addition, Acuity Science provides diagnostic tools to support science teaching and learning in elementary and middle school.

Along with an item bank, Acuity Science now also includes an item authoring enhancement that allows educators to create their own test items aligned to their curriculum to supplement the existing assessments provided by Acuity. Acuity Science delivers one early indicator and one predictive assessment, and a series of diagnostic assessments aligned to state standards, to meet science assessment requirements as outlined by No Child Left Behind.

All assessments can be completed in one class period. Acuity Science can be administered online or via paper and pencil.

For more information, call 800.538.9547 or visit www.AcuityforSchool.com

About Acuity

Acuity was developed in consultation with administrators, principals, teachers, and students. Acuity is a suite of diagnostic and predictive benchmark assessments designed to show student growth toward state standards and performance indicators in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science for Grades 3-8, and Algebra for Grades 6-12. Acuity features online and paper- and-pencil administration options to match the level of technology available in schools. Acuity reports provide useful and detailed data aligned to state standards and indicators that teachers can use to inform instruction and support student achievement. Online item banks aligned to state standards and indicators enable custom, teacher-created assessments to help students remain current on classroom instruction.

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, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. Additional information is available at www.CTB.com.