This video covers creating basic assessments using Performance Matters and available test item banks.
More information on assessments is found below.
Okay, you've created a test or been given permission to read and copy one. Here's what you have to do to actually give it to your students.
To make it available:
Log into Performance Matters. (Um, of course)
Click on the magnifying glass search button near the top of the screen.
Narrow things down by selecting "Authored within organization" and "Assessment Test." Those are found on the left side of the screen.
Scroll down through the options and select the test you want. This, by the way, is why you should give clear names that are easily searchable.
Once you've found the test, click on "Copy." You'll be given the option to rename the assessment if you want to. Again, the more descriptive, the better.
The test will sometimes pop up, giving you the opportunity to edit it if needed. Close it when you're ready.
To assign it:
Go to Tests>Test Center
Find the test, then click on the blue "Select" button under "Administer."
Click on "Release: Online/Paper Based
A list of students will come up. Select and de-select students as needed.
Click on "Release" on the bottom of that window.
For students to take the test:
On a computer that the student is logged into, have them go to this link: https://ola.performancematters.com/ola/ola.jsp?clientCode=alMadisonCounty
They will click on the big blue button that says something like, "Take OLA Assessment." Honestly, I can't remember exactly what it says, but it will be obvious to you.
They will click on the name of the assessment. They'll only see the assessments that have been released to them.
Student directions:
The first screen will show them the navigation options. There will be a "Next" button on the bottom of the screen. If the screen is zoomed out, this button might not be visible. It might also be hidden under the black navigation button that shows on some Chromebooks. I wish this was easier. They click on that "Next" button.
They're now looking at the first question. They'll answer the question, then click on the "Next" button at the bottom of the screen. NOTE: Especially on Chromebooks, the test answer button might not turn blue immediately. It might actually take--gasp--two seconds. Unfortunately, that's enough time for the student to click on it again, effectively "deselecting" their answer.
When the answer the last question, there won't be a "Next" button. They click on "Submit Test" at the top of the screen.
They'll see a list of questions and green check marks on the questions they've answered. They can click on any unanswered questions to go back to them. After they're done, they click on the second "Submit Test" button and they're finished.
For you to see the results:
From the Performance Matters home screen, click on Reports>Student Item Analysis.
There is a bar at the top of the screen that is labeled "Test Title." Click in it and select your test.
Your class results will appear. NOTE: There are a number of things you can click on within the results. Poke around and see what you get!