Diagnostic Assessment Tools (DAT)

Diagnostic Assessment Tools (DAT) is an interim assessment system for students in grades K-8 that consists of two software packages aligned to Indiana state standards: Wireless Generation's mCLASS for grades K-2 and CTB/McGraw-Hill's Acuity for grades 3-8. Teachers use these diagnostic assessments periodically throughout the school year to monitor student progress in mathematics and reading, identify specific learning needs, and adjust instruction accordingly. The assessments are accompanied by progress monitoring tools, instructional tools, and online support systems. Teachers at intervention schools received training using a train-the-trainer model, where 1-4 volunteer teachers from each school received 2-3 days of summer training from the state and assessment vendors, followed by another training session in the fall, and then delivered 2-3 training sessions to other teachers at their schools within 6 months.