CTB/McGraw-Hill Releases Acuity Algebra(TM) Assessment.

Algebra Module for Acuity Family of Assessments Designed for Algebra I Students and Classrooms

MONTEREY, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- CTB/McGraw-Hill, the leader in K-12 and adult education assessment solutions, today announced the release of Acuity Algebra(TM), the latest addition to the Acuity family of breakthrough classroom assessment tools. Acuity Algebra is designed to assist teachers and administrators with standard Algebra I classes through guidance for student placement, as well as formative and end-of-course assessments.

"Acuity Algebra provides the targeted feedback teachers need to help students identify areas of strength as well as areas requiring improvement in this key subject," said Ellen Haley, president of CTB/McGraw-Hill. "Many students experience difficulties with beginning Algebra. This tool is designed to help prevent stumbling blocks before they occur and keep students on track with math learning goals."

Acuity Algebra is a comprehensive set of online Algebra placement and assessment tools for grades 6-12, consisting of four key components:

  -- Readiness Exam
  -- 13 Formative Assessments, including a Pre-Algebra Survey
  -- Item Bank of 500 Items
  -- Proficiency Exam

These Acuity Algebra components are designed to reflect the educational objectives of state, district, and Diocesan curriculum guides, as well as major textbooks and instructional programs. Acuity Algebra is also aligned with national standards, most notably the Principles and Standards of School Mathematics from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

The Readiness Exam is given to students who are eligible to take Algebra I in the upcoming school year. Results from the Readiness Exam are used to help determine the likelihood of success in Algebra I and to assist teachers and administrators with placing students in the appropriate math classes. The Formative Assessments are given during the course of an Algebra I class to assess students' understanding of the subject matter and to guide instruction by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

The Formative Item Bank provides teachers with the flexibility to create their own assessments and analyze the results. The Proficiency Exam is administered to Algebra I students at or near the end of the school year to measure student mastery of the concepts.

Acuity Algebra can be integrated into an existing Acuity program, or administered separately.

About Acuity

Acuity is a powerful suite of diagnostic and predictive benchmark assessments with clear, concise, and informative reports that provide data teachers need to improve student achievement. The Acuity suite is a family of classroom-friendly assessments with both online and paper-and-pencil administration options. Assessments mirror state NCLB assessments and deliver immediate, actionable data on student progress. Acuity -- designed for teacher and classroom use with assessments tailored to curriculum pacing guides -- assesses student mastery levels of core content areas. Diagnostic reports show specific problem areas to allow teachers to target instruction, accelerating student performance and helping to meet achievement goals.

  For more information, call [phone] or visit http://www.ctb.com/.

  About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As the nation's leading publisher of standardized and standards-based achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education (MHE), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies . MHE is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.

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