What Are the Diagnostic Assessments?

The Diagnostic Assessments are intended to support teachers in planning focused, standards-based instruction for their students. The Diagnostics are aligned with the Ohio Academic Content Standards. To date, the Diagnostic Assessments have been developed for reading (kindergarten–grade 2), writing (kindergarten–grade 3) and mathematics (kindergarten–grade 2).

Components of the Diagnostic Assessments

The Diagnostic Assessments are made up of four components:

• screening measures, which provide an analysis of students’ understandings of fundamental concepts and skills and help identify those students who may be at risk and need intervention
• observational measures, which are embedded in daily instruction and provide you with mechanisms for collecting information for monitoring students' progress and their intervention needs
• diagnostic measures, which provide student profiles that you can use for formative or summative assessment at key checkpoints during the school year or as a gauge of the progress that your students have made as a result of instruction. Each diagnostic measure is divided into multiple sessions that do not have to be administered all at one time. You may administer these sessions over the school year as you provide instruction
• short screening measures, which quickly tell you whether students are clearly on track to meet standards or whether further assessment will be necessary to make such a determination

Content and Fairness Safeguards

A statewide Content Advisory Committee, made up of parents, educators and other stakeholders, has reviewed all questions on the Diagnostic Assessments. Another statewide committee, the Fairness Sensitivity Review Committee, has ensured that test questions are fair and do not promote or inquire into an individual’s moral or social values or beliefs.