What exactly is a Comprehensive Assessment at Mathnasium of Cedar Rapids?

Let's learn a bit more about what a Comprehensive Assessment at Mathnasium of Cedar Rapids looks like.

Q: What is a comprehensive assessment?

A: Mathnasium's comprehensive assessment may look like a test, feel like a test, smell like a test, if you crinkle the assessment it will sound like a test, and if you were to eat it, it even tastes like a test (please do not eat it) but it is not a test! Our comprehensive assessment differs in its use. We use it to generate a customized learning plan based on a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Q: What things do you learn about a student when they take a comprehensive assessment?

A: The comprehensive assessment shows us the student's learning gaps, areas to focus on, and what concepts are already mastered.

Q: What is a customized learning plan?

A: Every student is different and has different needs. We tailor each student's math education specifically to them. This tailored math education is laid out in the customized learning plan.

Q: How do you gauge progress?

A: We gauge progress in several ways. First, we monitor how each session goes. We want to make sure students are making appropriate daily progress by completing a set number of assignments.

Second, each prescriptive (a packet designated to address specific skills) ends with a mastery check. The mastery check is like a mini-assessment. We use this to see if the student is ready to build on this concept or if they need more practice.

Third, we monitor monthly how the sessions have been going, and to ensure they are completing an appropriate number of prescriptives throughout the month.

The fourth item is re-assessing every 4 to 6 months to measure long-term growth and retention. We also use this assessment to update their learning plan based on the topics they have mastered.