IXL Achieves Four Major Advancements in Assessment with Release of the IXL Diagnostic

New diagnostic is always up to date, requires no class time, recommends clear next steps for teachers and students and offers an enjoyable experience

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IXL Learning

Aug 21, 2017, 12:00 ET

SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IXL Learning announced the release of an adaptive diagnostic on IXL, the K–12 personalized learning program used by 1 in 9 U.S. students. The IXL Diagnostic achieves four breakthroughs in assessment: it offers information that is always up to date, requires no class time to be set aside for testing, provides clear next steps and makes the experience a delight for students. With the IXL Diagnostic, teachers always have a complete and accurate portrait of their students' knowledge and know precisely what options are available to help learners advance.

The IXL Diagnostic pinpoints students’ level of understanding in six mathematical strands, as well as their overall working grade level.

By allowing students to make choices, IXL helps students become an active part of the diagnostic process - and makes it more engaging than a traditional assessment.

"We've created something that will completely change what people think a diagnostic can do and how they imagine it should work," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "The IXL Diagnostic provides a far clearer and more insightful portrait of students' knowledge than any other test I'm aware of. And it does so in a way that's a joy for students to use and even builds their confidence."

Insights that are always up to date

As students learn using IXL and answer just a handful of diagnostic questions a week, the IXL Diagnostic works in the background to continuously update their results. No matter when a teacher chooses to view the results, they are up-to-the-minute and accurate. This differs from traditional diagnostics, which are already outdated by the time the tests are scored.

A unique action plan for each learner

The IXL Diagnostic outlines specific next steps for each learner based on his or her diagnostic results, directing students to what they are most ready to work on. These timely recommendations link directly to IXL's skills so that students can act on them immediately, with one click.

No testing days required

Because of the IXL Diagnostic's integrated approach, students can casually use the diagnostic as part of their IXL learning experience by spending a few minutes answering questions every so often. This means that teachers don't need to set aside class time for testing. The IXL Diagnostic is built directly into IXL and uses the same IXL question types students have already become familiar with, so no special test preparation is necessary. As an added benefit, this informal use of the diagnostic helps counteract the stress and anxiety students may feel when faced with high-stakes exams.

Positive student experience

The IXL Diagnostic is designed to create a confidence-building experience for students by giving them an active role in the process. Students periodically choose which questions they want to answer next, and they receive notifications whenever IXL measures changes in their knowledge levels or generates new recommendations. This helps students make meaningful connections between the diagnostic and what it means for their learning—and equips them to take steps to improve.

"With the IXL Diagnostic, the daunting task of figuring out what each one of my 180 students needs in order to grow becomes incredibly simple," said Nancy Foote, 8th grade teacher at Sossaman Middle School in Queen Creek, Arizona. "And, my students are empowered by seeing their areas for growth. Many of my students have asked me if they can revisit the diagnostic again and again so they can show how much they have learned. It's helping them feel like they're winning the learning game."

IXL Diagnostic information and availability

The IXL Diagnostic is currently available for IXL Math and evaluates students on six key strands as well as their overall working grade level. Students can use the IXL Diagnostic at any time and spend as much time on it as they like. Teachers have access to a Diagnostic Overview, which gives them a snapshot of their students' levels, as well as the Diagnostic Strand Analysis, which groups students working at similar levels and makes it easy for teachers to plan for small-group instruction.

In addition to math, IXL covers language arts, science and social studies, and is aligned to the Common Core and all state standards. IXL offers 10 free practice questions each day for students not subscribed to IXL; subscribers can practice unlimited questions across all grade levels. IXL is available online and as an app for iPad and Android. For more information and to subscribe to IXL, please visit www.ixl.com.

Media, please note: Screenshots of the IXL Diagnostic may be downloaded at www.ixl.com/press. For demos and access to IXL, contact [email protected].

About IXL Learning

IXL Learning is an educational technology company that delivers an immersive learning experience—for all students, in all grades, across all subjects, including math, language arts, science and social studies. Used by 1 in 9 U.S. students and with 30 billion questions answered around the world, IXL is helping schools successfully use technology to improve teaching and learning. Our team of educators, researchers and technologists crafts unique, high-quality content with unprecedented breadth and depth across 6,000 skills. IXL adapts with students as they grow, offering challenges at just the right level to help them master new concepts. From pre-K to 12th grade, IXL's content and technology enable fresh, engaging and personalized experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com, facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning.

Press Contact
Lauren Kido
[email protected]
650-436-5552

SOURCE IXL Learning