Instruments
Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) was introduced in 2021, replacing the previous version utilized since 2013. As per the Texas State Legislature mandate, all students entering Texas public higher education institutions must undergo TSIA2 or qualify for one of its exemptions. The TSIA2 evaluates students' readiness for college-level coursework by testing them in English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and Mathematics.
In ELAR, TSIA2 focuses on two key areas: reading and writing. The reading portion assesses comprehension and analysis of literary, informational, and argumentative texts, including paired passages. Meanwhile, the writing portion evaluates skills in revising and editing sentences, paragraphs, and early drafts of essays.
In mathematics, TSIA2 focuses on four key areas: quantitative reasoning, algebraic reasoning, geometric and spatial reasoning, and probabilistic and statistical reasoning.
Students taking the TSIA2 begin by completing College Readiness Classification (CRC) tests in ELAR and mathematics, comprising multiple-choice questions. If students fail to meet the college readiness benchmarks on these CRC tests, they proceed with the multiple-choice diagnostic tests in ELAR and Mathematics. These diagnostic tests present an additional chance for the students to demonstrate their preparedness for college-level coursework. They also highlight students' strengths and weaknesses in specific content areas, thus facilitating their placement into suitable courses and enabling them to receive the necessary remedial support and interventions.
Year developed: 2021 (TSIA2 replaced TSIA introduced in 2013).
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: College Readiness
Grades: Post secondary
The Abbreviated School Climate Survey
The Abbreviated School Climate Survey (ASCS), an abbreviated version of the 100-item School Climate survey developed by the Developmental Studies Center (now known as the Center for the Collaborative Classroom), is a 34-item assessment of school climate that includes 7 of the 11 subscales from the original assessment. The subscales include: positive behavior, negative behavior, classroom and school supportiveness, autonomy and influence, safety at schools, enjoyment of school, and school norms and rules).
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
The Science Management Observation Protocol (SMOP)
The Science Management Observation Protocol (SMOP) is used to conduct structured observations of science classroom practice. SMOP identifies specific teacher behaviors and classroom characteristics which influence an inquiry-based classroom. Teachers and administrators can use the protocol to support the development of quality inquiry-based practices.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: Teaching
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
ThinkReady
ThinkReady is an instrument measuring the development of cognitive competencies that students need for college success. Previously known as College-Readiness Performance Assessment System (C-PAS), ThinkReady focuses on David Conley’s Key Cognitive Strategies for college and career readiness: problem formulation, research, interpretation, communication, and precision/accuracy. These cognitive strategies are measured via a series of performance tasks.
Year developed: 2009 as College-Readiness Performance Assessment System (C-PAS).
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: College Readiness
Grades: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI)
The Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) is an instrument measuring to what extent school personnel use (or need) school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). The three tiers in TFI are 1) universal SWPBIS features, 2) targeted SWPBIS features, and 3) intensive SWPBIS features. The scoring of each item in TFI ranges from 0 to 2 (0 not implemented, 1 partially implemented, 2 fully implemented.)
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) - Mathematics
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) math assessment is an international standardized test that measures math reasoning and problem solving in algebra, geometry, data analysis, and probability. TIMSS is in the process of transitioning to a digitally-based assessment called eTIMSS.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: Math
Grades: 4th Grade, 8th Grade
Tripod School Climate Index
The Tripod School Climate Index is comprised of seven question items across two commonly accepted dimensions of school climate, safety and relationships. Each question item is answered on a 5-point Likert scale by students in grade 6 though grade 12.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
UChicago Consortium 5Essentials Survey
The 5Essentials Survey from the University of Chicago's Consortium on School Research is an improvement framework and diagnostic survey tool used to assess a school's strengths while highlighting areas and opportunities for improvement across five essential factors for school improvement (Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction).
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
USCIS Naturalization Test - Civics
The civics portion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Test consists of 100 potential items (typically 10 randomly drawn in USCIS practice) and assesses those applying for citizenship on their knowledge of U.S. history and government. Numerous states also utilize some form of this test as a graduation requirement for high school students.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: Civics
Grades: 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Virginia Secondary School Climate Survey/Authoritative School Climate Survey
The Virginia Secondary School Climate Survey also known as the Authoritative School Climate Survey is administered to students and teachers/staff to assess disciplinary structure and student support, two school climate factors that are thought to inlfluence school climate outcomes such as student engagement and prevalence of testing and bullying in school.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) - ELA
WIAT-4 is an achievement test that can be used in a multitude of settings by a wide range of professionals. It assesses individual's academic achievement (or ability to apply cognitive skills and learned knowledge to grade-level expectations) in reading, math, and written and oral language. It can also be used to support diagnoses of specific learning disabilities, academic program placement, and Dyslexia screening and evaluation.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: English Language Arts
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) - Math
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) is an individually administered achievement test sold by Pearson for use in a variety of clinical, education, and research settings.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: Math
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
What’s Happening In This School (WHITS) Questionnaire
The What's Happening in This School Questionnaire (WHITS) is a six scale survey measuring school climate designed for use with students ranging from grades 8 through grade 12. The six scales comprising this survey include, teacher support, peer connectedness, school connectedness, affirming diversity, rule clarity, and reporting and seeking help. Respondents answer all 48 items within this survey on a five-point Likert scale.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT5) - Math
The Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT5) is an assessment sold by Pearson that measures math skills, in addition to reading and spelling, and helps identify possible learning disabilities.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: Math
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT5) - Reading
The Wide Range Achievement Test Fifth Edition (WRAT5) assess students in several areas including reading and spelling, as well as assessment of math skills. These assessments can also be used to identify possible learning disabilities.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: English Language Arts
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests | Third Edition (WRMT-III)
The WRMT-III are individually administered assessments of reading readiness and reading achievement.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: English Language Arts
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Woodcock-Johnson IV - ELA
The Woodcock-Johnson IV contains three co-normed batteries that measure strengths and weaknesses and diagnose learning abilities. The WJ IV is an individually-administered comprehensive assessment suite that can identify patterns of strength and weaknesses in cognitive, language, and academic abilities. In addition to oral language, reading, and writing, the WJ IV also assesses mathematics.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: English Language Arts
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Woodcock-Johnson IV - Math
Woodcock-Johnson IV, sold by Riverside Insights, includes individually-adminstered tests of achievement designed to measure strengths and weaknesses and diagnose learning abilities. In addition to mathematics, the WJ IV assesses oral language, reading, and writing.
Category: Academic Knowledge and Skills
Sub-Category: Math
Grades: < 3 Years, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Post secondary
Young Children’s Perception of School Climate Questionnaire
The Young Children's Perception of School Climate Questionnaire was adapted from Habib, Anson, Cook, Clifford, and Antonio's (1993) School Climate Questionnaire which was originally designed for use in a study of middle school-aged children in Prince George County, Maryland. The resulting instrument, the Young Children's Perception of School Climate Questionnaire, assess younger students' perceptions of relationships with teachers and peers within the school and classroom setting.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 3rd Grade
Youth Connections Scale (YCS)
The Youth Connections Scale (YCS), developed by the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota in partnership with Anu Family Services, was created to help child welfare agencies and organizations work more effectively alongside youth to create and sustain a safety net for all youth in foster care. More specifically, the Youth Connections Scale is a tool used to measure relational permeance in youth. The scale is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 100.
Category: Schooling
Sub-Category: School Climate
Grades: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade