Introduction to Dynamic Assessments

What is the Dynamic function?

The Dynamic function in Essential Assessment automatically adjusts the difficulty of an assessment while the student is completing it. As the student answers questions, the system detects whether the content is too easy or too hard and shifts them into a more appropriate level. This means students can work below or above the range you originally selected if that better matches their understanding.

Once a student completes their first set of questions, the next level of content is unlocked. This continues as they move through the assessment.

Dynamic Mode saves time because you won’t need to re-assess students who are operating outside the selected range - EA will automatically adjust for you. It also helps students show their true growth during the post-assessment.

How does the dynamic function work?

Below is a visual table on how the adjustments happen when the Dynamic function is enabled, for both AC/VC and NSW Syllabus assessments.

Top Tips for using Dynamic

• We recommend setting Dynamic to ON and turning on the 'Pre-assessment only'. The range for mid/post-assessment will adjust accordingly once the student submits their pre-assessment. This will allow you to compare the same data sets for the pre-assessment and the mid/post-assessment.
• Please use your professional judgement when choosing a starting range. Dynamic Mode will only adjust down once, but it can adjust up multiple times. If you already know a student is working above the chosen level, we would recommend starting them higher so they aren’t overwhelmed by too many questions or repeated level shifts.

Enabling Dynamic

To turn on Dynamic, click on the class, click Assessment Options and switch the Dynamic toggle to IS ON.

Click on a student profile to see the range allocated for the assessment.

If Dynamic has been enabled, a Dynamic label will appear along with the student's range. If there is an upward green arrow, this indicates the student has been adjusted up. If there is a downward red arrow, this indicates the student has been adjusted down. If there has been no adjustment, it will say 'No Change.'

Below is a look at the Assessment History located within the student profile page, with dynamic assessments clearly visible.