The SmartScore is based on IXL’s proprietary algorithm and is the best possible measure of how well a student understands a skill. With the SmartScore, the learning process is rewarded and your students are constantly reassessed.

When a student starts practicing a skill, the SmartScore starts at 0. As the student answers questions correctly, the SmartScore increases. If a question is answered incorrectly, the score decreases. However, the SmartScore is not just based on the percentage of questions correct. It is calculated using many factors, including the number of questions completed, question difficulty, and consistency, and offers superior accuracy in assessing student achievement.

A skill is mastered when the SmartScore reaches 100, but the number of questions it takes to master a skill varies with every student. To continuously motivate students, IXL recommends setting other practice milestones along the way to mastery. A score of 80 is good, and a score of 90 is considered excellent. When a student finally achieves skill mastery, you can be confident that they truly understand the skill.

Yes! Simply hover over the star next to any skill and click to suggest it for your child. The skill will then appear starred and highlighted in their account for easy access. Or, write down the 3-character skill ID next to any skill; your child will be able to type these shortcuts into the search bar at the top of the IXL page for quick access.

IXL's “Learn with an Example” is a great way for your child to learn any new concept. Click on the Learn with an Example link at the top of the first question of any math or ELA skill to view a sample question. Your child will get a reminder of key concepts and vocabulary, along with a step-by-step guide to working through the question. These step-by-step explanations will also appear after any missed question so that your child can get immediate help when they need it.

There are a few different ways to find just-right IXL skills for your child to work on. As a starting point, check out IXL’s new Spring Spotlight skill plans, which provide day-by-day skill progressions that target essential skills for each grade level. You can also have your child visit their Recommendations wall, which offers personalized skill recommendations based on their work in IXL. For more ideas on how to implement IXL at home, join one of IXL's webinars designed just for parents.

If a student submits an incorrect answer, IXL provides a step-by-step explanation of the correct answer, so students receive immediate feedback and learn from their mistakes. The current SmartScore will also adjust to reflect the student’s understanding of the skill.