The diagnostic section of the COMPASS™ system can provide even greater detail about student ability.
For example, a student may start the math placement test, and the adaptive system may quickly determine a relatively low score in pre-algebra. The system could automatically route this student to math diagnostics—and thus determine the specific areas in which the student is proficient or needs additional work.
The COMPASS system can generate up to 26 diagnostic scores:
- Numerical Skills/Prealgebra Diagnostic Scores
- Operations with Integers
- Operations with Fractions
- Operations with Decimals
- Exponents, Square Roots, and Scientific Notation
- Ratios and Proportions
- Percentages
- Averages (means, medians, and modes)
- Algebra Diagnostic Scores
- Substituting Values
- Setting Up Equations
- Basic Operations with Polynomials
- Factoring Polynomials
- Linear Equations with One Variable
- Exponents and Radicals
- Rational Expressions
- Linear Equations in Two Variables
- Reading Diagnostic Scores
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Reader Profile
- Writing Skills Diagnostic Scores
- Punctuation
- Verb Formation and Agreement
- Usage
- Relationships of Clauses
- Shifts in Construction
- Organization
- Spelling
- Capitalization
Visit Sample Questions to download sample items and additional information for the diagnostic measures.
COMPASS diagnostics provide immediate scores with accompanying "review work" messages prepared by the institution for guiding the student to appropriate learning resources.
As an alternative, the diagnostic tests may also be administered as part of a developmental course.