Choosing level for ITBS

[Jackie]

I am planning to give my daughter an out-of-level ITBS to get a better idea of her current academic level. But what level do I choose? Her math computation is at a 2nd-3rd grade level, with concept understanding all over the place. Her reading level was high school on the DORA last year, with other language arts abilities all over the place. She would be finishing her kindergarten year if we went by state cutoffs. I'm testing purely for my own informational purposes and no one will see the scores except DH and I, but I have no idea what level will give me decent information. I'm sure she would just top out K and first. How many levels up do you go when doing out of level tests? Up to the lowest level they're working at? A few levels above that?

[Lucy the Valiant]

We're in a state where we have to test but don't have to show the scores to anyone; we have freely played around with grade level testing, just for fun. You might try starting 2 grades ahead and then see how that goes?

Edited April 9, 2016 by Lucy the Valiant

[EKS]

I would give her whatever level is intended for 2nd graders.  That way you'd get the benefit of being able to ease her into the ITBS with the format that works better for young kids.  If her scores are generally at or above the 90th percentile as compared to 2nd graders this year, next year you'd want to give the 4th grade test rather than the 3rd.  If they're 99s down the line as compared to 2nd graders, I bump up two levels next year.

[Jackie]

Thank you! It makes lots of sense to start her on the format for younger kids.

[Janeway]

The ITBS really tests on a range, unlike state made tests. In Texas, for example, the 3rd grade test will test on what was taught in 1st and 2nd should be mastered. But the ITBS, if you do the 3rd grade test, it will have anything from 2nd grade to 5th grade skills. If my child were finishing kinder, but were ahead by a couple years, I would do the test one year ahead. If she takes the end of first grade test, she will see 3rd grade material on there. If she takes end of 2nd grade test, expect 3rd and 4th grade material. I hope that helps!

[Tumbatoo]

When I did the ITBS for my 4th grader, I did the 4th grade test. His results showed 9th grade level on some subjects and capped out on others (past 12th). The tests seem to have a variety of level of questions. I also wondered if I should use a higher level test, but was advised not to. His results still showed mastery of the lower grades.

[Jackie]

Quite simply, if I gave her the kindergarten test, I am confident she would have scored in the 99th percentile down the line unless she made silly mistakes. It would not have given me any information to work with in looking at relative strengths and weaknesses. For that information, I need a test she can't ace. And next year, when she's just that little bit older, I'll probably have professional testing done.

 

I went ahead and ordered the second grade test and we did about half of it over the weekend. So far, she's flying through and I've only noticed incorrect answers in the listening section. I'm guessing I'll bump an extra level or two next year, but I've got a year before deciding on that.

 

I forgot how loooong standardized tests are. She's cracking me up because she *loves* the testing and keeps asking if we can continue on when I insist she take breaks. Weird kid, she's asking if she can take the DORA again when she finishes the ITBS.

[Kerileanne99]

I forgot how loooong standardized tests are. She's cracking me up because she *loves* the testing and keeps asking if we can continue on when I insist she take breaks. Weird kid, she's asking if she can take the DORA again when she finishes the ITBS.

If she really enjoys the testing process ...

I gave Alex the DORA a couple of years ago, and since she enjoyed it I gave her the math test by the same company (called ADAM). I found it incredibly useful as it breaks the math evaluations down into 44 sub categories ranging from K-7th grade levels and you get a full diagnostic report. It allowed me to see exactly where there were any gaps or weak areas...for example, she solved an algebra equation with a binomial, yet hadn't seen a larger VENN diagram, lol:) And whilst I personally am not concerned with Common Core standards, I do like the ability to compare the lists of topics as well:)