Placement Tests
Set your students up for success by starting them at the appropriate level. Please read the notes and instructions before administering a placement test.
Good to Know
Our grades align with U.S. standard grades. For example, Dimensions Math® 1A and 1B are for Grade 1. 1A is the material for the first half of the year, and 1B is the material for the second half of the year.
It's common and perfectly acceptable for students to begin at an earlier grade level if they transition from another program. For example, a second grade student might start with level 1A or 1B. It's great to start students at their current ability level and work up from there. This ensures a more positive math experience for both educators and students.
Suggested time for taking tests: Placement tests should not be timed. Allow at least an hour for each test.
The placement test is not the only factor in deciding where to place students. Educators should not base their placements solely on scores but should consider how students worked the problems and where they had trouble. For example, a student might do computation correctly but struggle with word problems. Educators can look at textbook tables of contents and go over parts of a corresponding chapter from previous levels to help students with specific topics. These tests were not designed to be exit tests.
Looking for placement tests for Dimensions Math 6-8? We do not have placement tests for Grades 7 and 8. If your student has completed any Grade 5 program, start with Dimensions Math 6. If your student has finished any Grade 6 program, with solid understanding, start with Dimensions Math 7. However, if your student struggled with a Grade 6 program, start with Dimensions Math 6. Together, Dimensions Math 7 and 8 constitute a solid Pre-algebra and Algebra 1 program, with some Geometry and other topics. If your student has done a Pre-algebra program, review the Scope and Sequence for Dimensions Math 7. If there are any topics they did not cover in their Pre-algebra program, or if they struggled at all, consider starting with Dimensions Math 7 to cover those topics, even if you don’t need to cover all the topics as they are not repeated in Dimensions Math 8. Otherwise, start with Dimensions Math 8.
- How to Use Placement Tests
- Dimensions Math K-5 Tests
- Primary Mathematics U.S. & Standards Editions Tests
- Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition Tests
Placement Tests for Dimensions Math and Primary Mathematics U.S. & Standards Editions
Placement tests for these series are set up to see if a student has mastered the material taught at that level. If a student successfully completes the 2A test, then they have likely mastered the material in 2A, and should take the 2B placement test to see if they have mastered that material. If they do poorly on the 2B test, they could start with 2B. If they do well on the 2B test, they could take the 3A test to see if they have mastered that material.
Placement Tests for Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition
Unlike the other tests, placement tests for Primary Mathematics 2022 are set up to see if a student is ready to enter that grade level.
For example, if a student successfully completes the 2A test, then they are likely ready to begin with the material in 2A, and should also take the 2B placement test to see if they are ready to begin with that material. If they do poorly on the 2B test, they could start with 2A. If they do well on the 2B test, they could take the 3A test to see if they are ready to learn that material.
