Mosart

Misconceptions-Oriented Standards-Based Assessment Resources for Teachers

Let me say first, that the training leading up to receiving the Mosart Tests was excellently designed. I don't know if I was just in a different mood when I read the introduction to 25 Assessment Probes, but the equivalent for the Mosart tools was much easier to understand! 4 tutorials made up the "training" and each tutorial was broken into explanation, real examples, and reading for further understanding. It was probably just the nature of going through online tutorials that made the difference for me, but now I feel much more comfortable using Mosart.
 
After requesting a Life Science pre-test for for grades 7 & 8, I was able to see how Mosart helps teachers analyze their data. HOWEVER, I'm not a big fan of grading and graphing all those pre-tests! I think combining Mosart's tools with something like what Cedar Rapids schools use or Google forms, would make it easier for students to take the pre-test at home and for me to analyze the data.
 
I also applaud Mosart for including a minimum reading level in their tests. For example the 5-8 test (geared toward 7th-8th graders? I haven't quite figured that part out yet) requires a minimum reading "level" of 7th grade. Although is drilled into teacher education programs that ELL students do not aquire academic language proficiency (CALP) for 6+ years, teachers still forget. ELL students may have great social language in English (BICS), but not be able to test on academic subjects. I have every confidence that I could get around decently in a French-speaking country (or even mime my way through a Spanish-speaking one), but I would not be able to take a science test in French.
 
Finally, if I had a way to give the pre-test electronically, I love that simple way that Mosart shows which incorrect answers were most common, and what misconceptions that represents. I will have to go back and look at the 25 Assessment Probes books to see how they explain the misconceptions after each Probe. I think they are more narrative, but that would be helpful if I share my students' misconception!