Q: My students haven’t taken their screener, and IXL won’t let them practice or use the arena.
A: During benchmarking windows (check dates with your administrator), students must complete the screener before accessing practice or the arena. Once finished, they can step into the arena or practice assigned/recommended skills. If they miss the screener, they’ll regain full access after the benchmark window closes.

Q: My student is frustrated because the IXL questions are too difficult.
A: Make sure students are working on assigned or recommended skills from their dashboard. If they’re only using the arena, they may encounter skills above their level. The arena provides real-time data but no feedback, so it’s best paired with skill practice.

Q: How often should students use the arena?
A: IXL recommends 10–15 minutes per week in the arena. You can track whether students are up to date on diagnostic data in your Analytics tab.

Q: What’s the difference between the screener, snapshot, arena, diagnostic, and skill practice?
A: Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Universal Screener → Used for benchmark testing (about 20 minutes). Only available during official benchmark windows.
  
  

• Diagnostic Snapshot / Arena → Real-time diagnostic testing. Students can:
  
  

  • Use Snapshot Mode to complete diagnostics all at once, or
    
    

  • Enter the Arena for ongoing, real-time updates.
    
    

• Skill Practice → Where students spend most of their time. Teachers can assign skills by grade level, standards, or curriculum. Students can also work on personalized recommended skills that adapt as they practice.