Creating Tests
It's time to create your tests! There are three different types to use - Full, Quick, and Layout. These all start from the same point but have various uses that range from fast on-paper exams to robust digital ones.
This section is organized from easiest to most complex. There is an additional page for a full breakdown of the question types on Full Tests.
Tests
Making a Quick Test - Paper or Online
If you're wanting to design a multiple choice test quickly or have a PDF of an existing test, it's quick and easy to make a Quick Assessment test. These are paper or online tests that work with simple multiple choice bubble sheets (either printed or digital). Scoring a printed bubble sheet can be as simple as scanning the sheet with a document camera or webcam. Below you'll find a video and a step-by-step guide for design. More detailed information can be found in the hyperlinked text.
Quick Tests.mp4Steps to Design a Quick Test
Navigate to Synergy Assessment
Select the "+" icon in the bottom right corner, then click "Test"
Select "Quick" when presented with test options
Name your test by overwriting the name in the top right corner.
Upload a PDF of the test, if desired and set search tags.
Provide the number of questions you want on the test.
(More information on question design for quick tests)Change Settings - if needed, paper tests need no changes.
Schedule the test for when you want to assign it to students
On the day of the test, either:
Open access to the online test and allow students to take it.
Print out bubble sheets and allow students to fill them in.
Close access to the test, or scan answer sheets using GradeCam.
GradeCam has a few options - read more here.
Making an Overlay Test - Online Only
If you have a PDF of an existing test or a paper test you could easily scan, it's also quick and easy to make an Overlay Assessment test. These are online only tests that work by overlaying digital multiple choice, multiple select, true/false, text entry, or essay questions numbers and multiple-choice answers or answer boxes. They can be quite fun and fast to design.
Steps to Design an Overlay Test
Navigate to Synergy Assessment
Select the "+" icon in the bottom right corner, then click "Test"
Select "Overlay" when presented with test options
Name your test by overwriting the name in the top right corner.
Upload a PDF or Word document of the test or link to a Google Drive file.
Add questions using the "+" icon, drag numbers over the question number and place multiple choice bubbles over each answer option, or click and drag text entry or essay boxes where you want them.
Schedule the test for when you want to assign it to students
On the day of the test, open access to the online test and allow students to take it.
Close access to the test (you don't necessarily have to do this).
Overlay tests will automatically grade multiple choice, multi-select, or text entry (if you set an answer for it.)
Overlay.mp4Making a Full Test - Online or Paper (with Limitations)
Full tests are also called, "All the Bells and Whistles" tests because they have quite a robust toolset. Ultimately, these tests can look very similar to SBAC, ELPAC, or other modern state standardized tests. There are 15 question types when using the online version of the full test, and while paper tests are possible with the full test option only four question types work on the paper version: Matching, Multiple Choice, Multiple Select, and True/False.
(Video Instructions Coming Soon!)
Steps to Design a Full Test
Navigate to Synergy Assessment
Select the "+" icon in the bottom right corner, then click "Test"
Select "Full" when presented with test options
Select either an online or a paper Full test
Name your test by overwriting the name in the top right corner.
Add questions using the options on the "questions" tab. When starting out, these will be either "New" or "Quick New" questions. The difference is one you build the question first or you build the questions later.
Designing questions is more complex for Full tests - read more here.
Settings for Full tests are more complex - read more here.
Schedule the test for your classes in advance, to assign the test to students.
On the day of the test, open access to the online test and allow students to take it.
Close access to the test (you don't necessarily have to do this).
Full tests will automatically grade most questions, some will require manual grading.