Start from your question, not the list of blocks. Most of this work happens before you give anything: read the items, read the wrong answers, and write a prediction.
Embedded Files
Three of the four ways to use an interim do not require a test.
Three of the four ways to use an interim do not require a test.
Use What it is Test?
Use What it is Test?
As a mirror Read the items before you teach. See what the target actually demands. No
As curriculum Project an item. Let students argue the choices. Better yet, make it a game No
As shared language Score student work with your team. Agree what understanding looks like. No
As evidence Give it, read it, diagnose, respond, check. Yes
Three types of interims: ICA: the full picture. IAB: 1 to 8 targets. FIAB: 1 to 3 targets. Start with a focused IAB.
SEE IT IN ACTION
Ms. Alvarez reads the items first
Ms. Alvarez reads the items first
She chose the Focused IAB Build Fractions from Unit Fractions (4.NF.B): 8 items, 1 hand-scored. Before giving it, she read every wrong answer on item 2.
Answer to 3/8 + 2/8 What a student would think to pick it
Answer to 3/8 + 2/8 What a student would think to pick it
A. 5/8 Correct.
B. 5/16 Add the numerators, add the denominators
C. 6/8 Added, then simplified incorrectly
D. 5/4 Flipped the fraction
Then she sealed her preditction: Item 2, 60-75% will be correct, most will pick B (Actual in January: 42%, and 46% chose B.)
TRY IT IN 10 MINUTES
Find yours
Find yours
Open the Item Portal or Interim Guide App. Filter by grade and subject only.
Find a Focused IAB that touches your question.
Work on three items yourself.
Pick one. For each wrong answer, write what a student would think.
Write your predicaqtion. Seal it.
Frames and Templates
Choose in this order
Choose in this order
Does it answer my question?
Is the cognitive demand right?
Is the evidence worth the time?
What is the scoring burden?
Four items: ____
Percent correct, as a range: ____
The wrong answer most will pick, and why: _________________
COMMON TRAPS
What trips people up
What trips people up
Wrong Content
It covers the topic, not your question. Check targets word by word.
Wrong Demand
Recall when you asked about reasoning. Check the DOK.
Wrong Cost
It answers the question, but it costs a class period you do not have.
Skipping the Prediction
Without one, every result looks reasonable after the fact.
WATCH IT
Tools
Tools
Interim Assessment Lookup Tool
Search interims; see associated content, total items, and how many need hand scoring.
Interim Assessment Viewing System
Review interims to understand content and item types before assigning.
Video: Previewing and Printing Interim Items/Answers
Erin's video on how to print interim questions and answers to use in the classroom.
Guidance on the overall process for administering interims.
Interim & Formative Assessment Playbook
The state's guidance on using interims to improve learning.
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