CTB/McGraw-Hill's Acuity™ Algebra Selected for Rand Corporation Education Research Study

CTB/McGraw-Hill today announced that Acuity Algebra, the newest addition to the Acuity family of breakthrough diagnostic and predictive benchmark assessments, has been selected as the standard achievement assessment for a major RAND Corporation study of the effectiveness of a technology-based mathematics curriculum. The five-year study, funded by a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, is designed to rigorously evaluate the curriculum. The study's results will help schools nationwide in selecting the most effective mathematics curricula for their students.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions for public and private sectors around the world. In this study, RAND researchers will use Acuity Algebra to examine how the performance of students using the software-based curriculum compares with students receiving traditional paper-and-pencil instruction in algebra. Using the Acuity Algebra Readiness Exam as a pre-test, and the Acuity Algebra Proficiency Exam as a post-test, the study will provide RAND with reliable information to evaluate whether students achieve more in algebra through the traditional or software-based curricula.

"To evaluate technology-based math curricula in a broad study like ours, we needed an assessment instrument with a solid psychometric and statistical basis that is practical to apply on a large scale. Acuity Algebra offers two linked assessments for consistency and accuracy, and provides the hard data we need," said John Pane, senior scientist at the RAND Corporation.

The Acuity assessments will be used by RAND to evaluate student performance in a diverse set of public schools across the country. The study will be conducted at approximately 130 middle and high schools in Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas, primarily with students in grades 9-11. The study is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education initiative to obtain rigorous information on educational programs, in order to further the evidence-base for mathematics instructional materials and practices.

"The RAND Corporation is respected for its quality of work and solutions, and we're honored that Acuity can contribute to this important study," said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill. "Educational research is the foundation of assessment and reporting, and the selection of Acuity is a testament to the talent and expertise of the national educators, content developers and research scientists that worked collaboratively to build Acuity in support of student achievement."

About Acuity Algebra

Acuity Algebra is a comprehensive set of online Algebra placement and assessment tools for grades 6-12, consisting of four key components:

  -- Readiness Exam
  -- 13 Formative Assessments, including a Pre-Algebra Survey
  -- Item Bank of 500 Items
  -- Proficiency Exam

These Acuity Algebra components are designed to reflect the educational objectives of state, district, and Diocesan curriculum guides, as well as major textbooks and instructional programs. Acuity Algebra is also aligned with national standards, most notably the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

The Readiness Exam is given to students who are eligible to take Algebra I in the upcoming school year. Results from the Readiness Exam are used to help determine the likelihood of success in Algebra I and to assist teachers and administrators with placing students in the appropriate math classes. The Formative Assessments are given during the course of an Algebra I class to assess students' understanding of the subject matter and to guide instruction by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

The Formative Item Bank provides teachers with the flexibility to create their own assessments and analyze the results. The Proficiency Exam is administered to Algebra I students at or near the end of the school year to measure student mastery of the concepts.

Acuity Algebra can be integrated into an existing Acuity program, or administered separately.

  For more information, call (800) 538-9547 or visit www.acuityforschool.com

  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 (MHE), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). MHE is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. Additional information is available at www.ctb.com.

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