Math Assessment Program From Scholastic Given Highest Ratings for Use in Schools With Response to Intervention (RTI) Programs

NEW YORK, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced the National Center on Response to Intervention (NCRTI) has given the highest possible rating for validity and reliability to Scholastic Math Inventory® (SMI), leading research-based math assessment aligned to the Common Core State Standards that provides fast and reliable measures of student achievement to inform instruction in grades 2 through Algebra 1.

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The NCRTI research team which reviewed SMI is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs and consists of a committee of experts from Vanderbilt University, the University of Kansas and American Institutes for Research.  The organization's mission is to provide technical support to states and districts and to build the competence of states to assist districts in implementing proven models for Response to Intervention (RTI) programs and early intervention services.

After extensive research and review by NCRTI, SMI was declared to have presented "convincing evidence" – the highest rating - of validity and reliability for assessing student math skills.

"As districts implement plans to help all students meet the more rigorous expectations of the Common Core Standards, they are looking for efficient ways to assess students' math skills and chart a predictable path from early elementary through Algebra 1. Using technology, Scholastic Math Inventory simplifies the assessment process for students and teachers to ensure students are on track to reach College and Career Readiness," said Margery Mayer, President, Scholastic Education. "Receiving the highest ratings from NCRTI confirms that SMI is effective for both teachers and students."

NCRTI recognized SMI as a reliable universal screener, placement tool and growth monitor that makes it easier to differentiate math instruction. The Scholastic professional services team supports this research-based program by helping schools understand and use data to create successful intervention. SMI also provides educators with actionable data about their students' skills in the form of a Quantile® measure, a score that describes the students' readiness for instruction.

About Scholastic Math Inventory (SMI)
A research-based, computer-adaptive math assessment program for students in Grades 2–9 that measures math understanding on The Quantile Framework® for Mathematics. The most powerful feature of SMI is its ability to administer fast and reliable low-stakes assessment to inform instruction and make accurate placement recommendations. Aligned to the Common Core State Standards, SMI helps educators forecast student achievement to those important goals.

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SOURCE Scholastic