Achievement tests
are a way for educators to track a student's knowledge.
Achievement tests are often confused with other types of tests such as intelligence tests, aptitude tests and knowledge tests. An achievement test seeks to measure the extent to which the test taker or student has "achieved" or learned something, whether through training, memorization, or acquiring new skills. In contrast, aptitude tests measure the student's ability to develop proficiency in a certain area. Common achievement tests include the Standford Achievement Test and the Iowa Achievement Test.
Reading
The reading section of an achievement test encompasses knowledge of vocabulary, phonics, comprehension and other qualities associated with reading and interpretation. Some elementary achievement tests feature further detailed questions about letters and sounds. Other topics in reading achievement tests include literacy development and the ability of the student to answer questions and critically analyze reading passages using literary strategies.
Language
The language portion focuses on the mechanics and principles of writing: grammar, sentence structure, spelling, parts of speech, punctuation and capitalization. This section may feature an actual editing test for students to determine if parts of the document are correct or need to be changed. There may also be several spelling questions featuring common misspellings to see if the student recognizes them.
Mathematics
Mathematics is one of the foundations of achievement tests and is a fundamental skill that every student should have. Depending upon the level of the test (elementary, secondary or beyond), topics in the math portion include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, geometry, algebra and calculus. Other topics that may be included are statistics, probability, patterns and estimation.
Science
The disciplines of science often featured on an achievement test include biology, earth science, geology, chemistry and physics. Students should expect objective questions that can be answered based upon memorized knowledge. Other types of scientific questions that are slightly more subjective will ask the student to make observations, recognize cause and effect, read standard instruments and draw reasonable conclusions across a wide variety of scientific topics.
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