Assessment Strategies

Standardized testing is used in the TSTC LVN to ADN Transition Program as part of the program assessment plan, as well as a tool for students to measure their progress and remediate in areas in which they may be deficient. All students enrolled in TSTC LVN to ADN Transition courses will take the nationally normed ATI Content Mastery Assessment Proctored Exams in each course. 

All students will take a version of the ATI Content Mastery Assessment exam at the start of each course. Students will take the ATI exams remotely or on campus. All exams will be proctored using Respondus. It is highly recommended that the student reads all rationales, if available, once the ATI exam is completed. A score will be shown immediately after the exam is completed. This score will serve as a baseline and will help students determine areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Remediation for exams will be per the program's remediation policy. The purpose of remediation is to improve the student’s critical thinking, reasoning skills, and test taking strategies to achieve NCLEX-RN success. 

A Remediation Plan and Outcomes form will be made available to the student. After identifying areas for remediation and completing the form, a signed copy will be placed in the student's file and serve as a contract between the student and instructor.

NCLEX-RN Live Review

During the final semester, students are required to attend an NCLEX-RN live review. This is considered part of the requirements for graduation and is part of the RNSG 2230 course Professional Nursing Review and License Preparation. 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the ATI Content Mastery Assessment Guidelines is to enhance students' critical

thinking and nursing knowledge through structured practice assessments, proctored exams, and

remediation assignments. The assessments are designed to help students identify strengths and weaknesses, improve academic performance, and prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This policy provides students with clear expectations for completing ATI assessments and outlines the grading structure associated with these activities.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all nursing students enrolled in courses that require ATI Content Mastery

Assessments. The policy provides guidelines for completing ATI practice assessments, the proctored Content Mastery Exam, and the required remediation assignments. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a consistent approach to ATI assessments and to promote the development of individualized study plans that foster academic success.

DEFINITIONS

• ATI Practice Assessments: Non-proctored online assessments designed to assess a student's understanding of key nursing concepts. Students will be required to complete Version A.Version B is optional but may be required for a grade depending on the course or instructor.

• ATI Proctored Content Mastery Exam: A formal, proctored exam administered during the course that assesses students' proficiency in nursing knowledge.

• Remediation Assignment: A handwritten assignment required after the practice assessment . Remediation requirements are found under the Remediation Policy. 

• Proficiency Levels: Defined levels (1, 2, 3) that reflect student performance on the proctored exam, with Level 3 being the highest and Below Level 1 being the lowest.

POLICY

ATI Practice Assessment Version A:

This assessment is NOT proctored. Your instructor will provide you with a determined period for the practice assessment that will allow you to go to your ATI account to take the practice assessment. You MUST access the practice assessment during the assigned period of time. Once the period closes there will NOT be an opportunity to access the practice assessment. Remediation will be assigned by your instructor. 

ATI Practice Assessment Version B:

If your instructor requires you to take the ATI Practice Assessment Version B, you will be provided with a determined period for the practice assessment that will allow you to go to your ATI account to take the practice assessment. You MUST access the practice assessment during the assigned period of time. Once the period closes there will NOT be an opportunity to access the practice assessment.

PROCTORED CONTENT MASTERY ASSESSMENT

This exam is proctored and will be assigned on the specified date as determined by your instructor.

** See Appendix A for Cut Scores for Individual Proctored Content Mastery Assessments

Understanding ATI Proficiency Levels Definitions:

LEVEL 1

Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 1 standard can be considered to meet the absolute minimum expectations for performance in this content area. Scores at this level were judged by the content expert panel to indicate a student as likely to just meet NCLEX-RN® standards in this content area. Your ATI level assessment provides suggestions for focused review to enhance your understanding and knowledge. Students are encouraged to utilize this focused review as a study aid for future assessments and to strengthen learning.

Note: Using the focused review does not automatically require a retake. Any potential retakes will be offered and governed by your instructor's specific guidelines.

LEVEL 2

Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 2 standard can be considered to exceed minimum expectations for performance in this content area. Scores at this level were judged by the content expert panel to indicate a student as fairly certain to meet NCLEX-RN standards in this content area.  Your ATI level assessment provides suggestions for focused review to enhance your understanding and knowledge. Students are encouraged to utilize this focused review as a study aid for future assessments and to strengthen learning.

Note: Using the focused review does not automatically require a retake. Any potential retakes will be offered and governed by your instructor's specific guidelines.

LEVEL 3

Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 3 standard can be considered to exceed most expectations for performance in this content area. Scores at this level were judged by the content expert panel to indicate a student as likely to exceed NCLEX-RN standards in this content area.  Your ATI level assessment provides suggestions for focused review to enhance your understanding and knowledge. Students are encouraged to utilize this focused review as a study aid for future assessments and to strengthen learning.

Note: Using the focused review does not automatically require a retake. Any potential retakes will be offered and governed by your instructor's specific guidelines.

FOCUSED REVIEWS

ATI Focused Review supports students in post-Content Mastery Series and Comprehensive Predictor assessment remediation. It delivers a personalized learning experience based on performance in Content Mastery Series practice and proctored assessments. After completing a Content Mastery Series practice assessment, students will receive ATI Focused Review Module content with highlighted areas for review that identifies learning gaps and generates targeted content. 

Upon completing the first round of remediation (practice assessments only), students can take a post-study quiz with questions aligned to their content gaps. Quiz results help students reassess knowledge gaps and guide further study using ATI Review Module content. The Focused Review presents ATI Review Module content organized by chapter. 

STRATEGIES FOR ADDITIONAL REMEDIATION

• Active Learning Templates

• ATI Pulse

• ATI Review Modules

• Board Vitals

• Claire AI

• Flashcards

• Focused Review

• Learning System

• Nurse Logic

• Student Assessment Performance Reflection