New CAT Assessments Part of ATI’s Comprehensive Assessment System

It’s time to put down paper-and-pencil tests. Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) assessments encourage productive use of time by enabling educators to use the same ability level test with all students. CAT assessments administer items based on the ability levels of the students. The goal of selection is to increase the precision of measurement while saving test administration time.

In CAT, prior information about student ability is used as a basis of item selection – meaning, as a student answers individual items or sets of items, the upcoming items are selected based on the responses of the already answered items. If the student responds correctly to an item or a group of items, a more challenging item or group of items will be presented. If the student incorrectly responds to the item or group of items, a less challenging item or group of items will be administered. Because of this, CAT provides high levels of efficiency in the assessment of student ability.

Construction of adaptive tests is automated through the Galileo Assessment Planner, which defines the item pool to be used in selecting items for the adaptive assessment. Automated construction allows a district or school to construct customized adaptive tests to meet unique local needs. For example, an educational system may construct an adaptive test to be used in determining placement in a locally designed advanced algebra course. Automated construction increases the testing options available for adaptive testing. In addition, it supports accommodations to continually changing standards which are a hallmark of contemporary education.

ATI’s approach to Computerized Adaptive Testing is explored in greater depth in Composition of a Comprehensive Assessment System or experience Galileo for yourself. There are a number of ways to learn first-hand about Galileo K-12 Online. You can:

• visit the Assessment Technology Incorporated website (ati-online.com)


• participate in an online overview by registering either through the website or by calling 1.877.442.5453 to speak with a Field Services Coordinator


• visit us at
  o the Arizona Department of Education Leading the Change Conference June 27 through 29 at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson, Arizona;
  o the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ 17th Annual Executive Institute July 13 through 14 at Mashpee High School in Mashpee, Massachusetts;
  o the Arizona Association of School Business Officials’ 58th Annual Conference and Exposition July 20 through 23 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, Tucson, Arizona; and
  o the Colorado Association of School Executives 42nd Annual Conference July 26 through 29 at the Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado.

We look forward to chatting with you online and at events.