Performance Series

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Performance Series, the web-based computer adaptive assessment.

Performance Series is a dynamic tool for assessing students in grades K-12. With a variety of uses, educators can target student needs more accurately than ever before.

TAKE A TOUR

Use the Performance Series for:

Diagnostic testing
Benchmarking
Universal screening
Program placement
Monitoring progress
Suggested learning objectives
Growth measurement
Gap analysis
Interim assessments

We deliver a robust library of reports

SCORES

SUGGESTED LEARNING OBJECTIVES

CLASS REPORTS

SCORES

SUGGESTED LEARNING OBJECTIVES

CLASS REPORTS

Benefits

Results you can trust to make decisions: All assessments are valid and reliable, nationally normed*, and computer adaptive.
Benchmark, diagnostic, placement tests, and universal screening: Can be used at the beginning of the year for placement or throughout the year to monitor student progress.
Good fit for all K-12 grades. The inclusion of algebra and geometry make it a great fit for high school in addition to elementary and middle school students.
Teachers have enjoyed Performance Series for more than 20 years, accessing more than 170 million assessments.

*Norm data available for the following subjects/grades:
-Math K-10
-Reading Foundations K-2
-Reading 2-11
-Language Arts 2-8
-Algebra/Geometry 8-12
-General Science 2-8

Flexibility to:

Use as a universal screener
Determine program placement
Measure growth over fall, winter, and spring testing periods with the GAINS report
Identify learning gaps
Monitor progress
Suggest learning objectives

Reading (grades 2-11)
Reading Foundations (grades K-2)
Math in English and Spanish (grades K-10)
Algebra (grades 8-12)
Geometry (grades 8-12)
Language arts (grades 2-8)
Comprehensive science, including biology (grades 3-8)

Accessibility

Meets Level A standard under Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0
One item on screen at a time
Large, bold, student-friendly font
Universal keyboard navigation
Closed captioning on some introductory videos
Universal audio support for some items
Magnify option
3rd party screen magnification software
Supports use of 3rd party screen reader

Performance Series Express

A short version assessment with all the benefits.

Thrive Academics knows that testing time and resources are limited. If you need an express form backed by the same capabilities as a full-form assessment, but with fewer questions for faster results, then Performance Series Express is your solution.
Using these same item pools as Performance Series Standard, the Express version provides flexibility with an eye on the clock.

Because Express is shorter, you can administer it more frequently to address diagnostic screening and monitoring needs.

Comparing Standard and Express Form Tests

	Standard	Express
Computer-adaptive test	X	X
Individualized assessment for informing instruction	X	X
Item selection	Guided by student response pattern
Item pool usage	Shared
Number of questions	52–68	25
Testing time	Average 45–60 minutes	Average 15–30 minutes
Standard error of measure (SEM)1	Average 0.30 logits (approx .91 alpha coefficient)	Average 0.42 logits (approx .80 alpha coefficient)
Reporting (all: student, class, district)	Shared
Subjects
Reading	X	X
Reading Foundations	X	X
Language Arts	X	X
Mathematics	X	X
Matemáticas en Español	X	X
Algebra	X	X
Geometry	X	X
Comprehensive Science	X	X

Performance Series (standard) is a longer test with more precision. Performance Series Express is a shorter test with less precision, but with more administrative ease of use. Be sure to discuss your needs with Thrive Academics.

Performance Series® Express

Alabama State Department of Education

Can my school district transition from Performance Series Standard (PSS) to Performance Series Express (PSE)?

Yes. Schools will be able to choose which format of Performance Series they would like to utilize. Before deciding, please be sure to review all of the differences between the two assessments. You can discuss your needs with Thrive Academics to make sure you understand the transition properly.

Is there a cost associated with using Performance Series Express?

The cost of PSE is the same as PS. If you want to use both Standard and Express, you will receive a discount based on the number of student accounts you are purchasing.

Will I use the same Site ID for PSE that I currently use for PSS?

No, you will have a separate Site ID for PSE.

If my school has used Performance Series for multiple years, can my students’ data be transferred into PSE?

No, because the methods for calculating the results of PSE and PSS are specific to each assessment, the data from the two sites should not be compared, merged, or transferred. Growth calculations are also not interchangeable between PSS and PSE assessments.

Are the scores in PSE as reliable as the scores in PSS?

PS Express is a reliable measure of student performance. The major difference between PSE and PSS is the number of items used in both assessments. Due to the different number of items used, the resulting Standard Error of Measure (SEM) also differs. In PSS, the average SEM observed is approximately 60 points while the average observed SEM for PSE is approximately 84 points.
All other psychometric properties related to the test items remain the same, since the same items are used in both exams. Essentially, PSE is a shortened version of PSS. It is backed by the same capabilities as a full-form assessment.

Can my school/district use PSS and PSE at the same time?

The simple answer is YES. However, each student should only be tested in one site or the other, not both. Schools and districts may choose to utilize PSE for certain grades or for special populations, and still utilize PSS for other grades or populations. The key to remember is that data is non-transferrable between the two sites and should not be compared.

Will all of the reports in PSS be available in PSE?

Yes, you will have access to the same reports.