Math Measures

The Basic Math and Proficient Math assessments are untimed, group-administered multiple-choice measures of mathematics skills. 

Benchmark Testing

For benchmark testing, both assessments measure a range of skills closely aligned with a variety of state content standards in mathematics. The Basic Math measures were developed using the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Focal Point Standards as an initial framework, with benchmark forms including test items from all three focal point standards at each respective grade level. The Proficient Math measures were developed using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as an initial framework. In addition to items aligned with the respective grade level, the Proficient Math benchmark measures also include a small number of items from prior and subsequent grade levels to enhance the test's accuracy as a universal screener, thereby extending the population of students whom it reliably measures. 

The Basic Math measures were designed to be more easily accessible (fewer cognitive demands for processing what is being asked) and to assess a more foundational understanding of math, making them most appropriate for students who are performing substantially below their grade-level peers. 

The Proficient Math measures were designed to be more challenging, in line with high expectations of grade-level performance. 

Most students should receive benchmark testing on Proficient Math, but for students performing well below grade level (i.e., recently scored at or below the 10th percentile on other Proficient Math forms), Basic Math might provide a more accurate assessment. It is important to remember that these students should still be considered at high risk even if their performance on Basic Math places them at a higher percentile rank. 

Progress Monitoring

For progress monitoring, the Basic Math measures are split into individual NCTM focal point standards, allowing you to focus instruction and monitoring on a specific skill area, depending on student need, or to rotate between skill areas. The Proficient Math progress monitoring measures include test items covering a range of skills appropriate for the grade in question, but unlike the benchmark measures, do not include test items from earlier or later grades. 

For students who scored at or below the 25th percentile on the Proficient Math benchmark assessment, we recommend conducting progress monitoring with the Basic Math measures. For students who scored between the 26th and 49th percentile, we recommend monitoring with Proficient Math. Students who performed at or above grade level (50th percentile or above on the Proficient Math benchmark assessment) do not require monitoring. 

Optimally, the math measures should be used no more than once every three weeks for monitoring progress. While weekly progress monitoring in mathematics is not recommended, in situations where such frequent monitoring is required, you should either: 

• Focus on one Basic Math measure type at a time, transitioning to the next measure type after all ten progress monitoring forms have been used for a given type, or 
• Rotate through the different Basic Math measures so each gets tested every three weeks (or every four weeks if you also monitor with Proficient Math). 

If a student requires progress monitoring in multiple math skill areas, you can either rotate through the different Basic Math measures or—for those students who perform above the 25th percentile rank at that time of the year—you can monitor with Proficient Math. 

Math Read Aloud Feature

All of the math items on easyCBM include a read-aloud option for grades K-8. When students start their online math test, they are directed to a Sound Test screen. After conducting a sound test, this feature will be enabled.

While this feature reads the written material, it does not describe any pictures or graphs.