St. Cecilia's Newsletter

Mathematics

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) Maths Adaptive

 

Providing schools with quality assessments is a core component of the Flourishing Learners theme in the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic School (MACS) 2030 strategic plan. Assessments assist schools to better identify students’ learning needs and inform teaching practice. 

 

All MACS school students are expected to complete the PAT Maths, Reading and Social Emotional Survey assessments. At St Cecilia's we have been using these assessments, along with the PAT Vocabulary since 2014. We are also trialling the PAT Spelling assessment this year. 

 

PAT Maths Adaptive

 

Range

Years 1 to 10

 

Purpose

To measure mathematical ability. The assessment conceives of ability in mathematics as being more than just remembering mathematical facts and procedures. Students must be able to use their mathematical knowledge to solve problems, interpret data, and support or refute claims. To be able to do so, students must have a solid foundation in the basic skills and so must be able to quickly and accurately perform routine calculations.

 

Features

PAT Maths Adaptive uses a sophisticated computer adaptive assessment model to accurately target students’ abilities and to provide richer and more accurate diagnostic information about students’ achievement and needs.

Entry levels are automatically assigned according to students’ estimated ability and their individualised test pathway is constructed as they progress through a series of ‘testlets’ – small blocks of test items.

 

Reporting

PAT Maths Adaptive reports student achievement on the same described PAT scale as its conventional, ‘linear’ counterpart, PAT Maths 4th Edition allowing direct comparison and the option of using the adaptive and ‘linear’ assessments independently or in concert, according to the strengths of each instrument.

 

Student results are reported immediately via the PAT Data Explorer – a powerful new reporting interface designed and developed specifically to support PAT Adaptive assessments.

 

Highlights

  • Automatic test assign
  • Highly individualised test pathways
  • Greater diagnostic insight
  • Powerful reporting

 

If you have any questions about Mathematics at St Cecilia's please contact:

Kate Sutherland, Mathematics Leader

ksutherland@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au