Quick Start Guide: Placement Tests in TimeBack

TimeBack placement tests help determine where a student should start learning in each subject. Placement is based on the student's current learning level in that subject, so it may not match the student's age grade. 

How TimeBack chooses a starting point

TimeBack uses data (mainly MAP RIT scores) to assign tests that students should master. 

• Each subject is handled separately. A student may start different subjects at different levels. 
• When MAP information is available, TimeBack can use that information to choose a targeted starting point. 
• When MAP information is not available, TimeBack starts from the configured starting grade for that subject. For students in Grade 5 or below, that means Kindergarten. For students in Grade 6 or above, tests start at Grade 3. 
• Vocabulary and Writing are exceptions. Placement for these subjects always starts at Grade 3 rather than being calculated from MAP RIT scores. 
• Science is also an exception. It starts at Grade 3 once the student is eligible. In general, students must have passed the Grade 2 Math, Reading, and Language tests, mastered a FastMath grade, and be officially registered in at least second grade. 

What happens after a placement test

When a student masters a placement test on their first try by scoring 90% or higher, TimeBack automatically assigns the next grade's test. 

Tip: Grades are rounded to the nearest integer, so 35 correct questions out of 39 total questions is 90% rather than ~89.7.

Here's an outline of what happens if the student scores below 90% on their first attempt at a grade: 

• The result is saved for that subject and grade.
• TimeBack assigns a test from the grade immediately below.
• If the student also fails that test, TimeBack continues moving down one grade at a time until the student passes a test.

Once the student passes a lower-grade test, TimeBack uses the previously saved results to determine what the student needs at each subsequent grade: 

Option 1: Scores from 60% through 89%

For most subjects (Math is an exception), a previously failed score from 60% through 89% indicates that the student is close to mastery but has specific gaps. 

Once the student passes the previous grade's test: 

• TimeBack enrolls the student in a hole-filling course for the failed grade.
• After the student completes the hole-filling course, TimeBack automatically assigns another placement test for that grade. 
• If the student passes the new test, placement continues into the next grade using the result previously saved for that subject and grade (or a test if there was no previously saved result). 
• If the student fails again, the next step depends on the new score. 

Option 2: Scores below 60%

For all subjects, a previously failed score below 60% results in enrollment in the full base course for that grade once the student passes the previous grade's test. 

Option 3: Math

Math does not use the 60% hole-filling threshold during placement. Any failed Math placement test results in enrollment in the full base course for that grade once the student passes the previous grade's test.

Placement example: Most subjects

The following is an example for a subject whose initial placement test is based on a MAP RIT score, excluding Math:

• The student starts with a Grade 6 test and scores 59%. The result is saved for later.
• The student moves down and receives a Grade 5 test and scores 70%. The result is saved for later.
• The student moves down and receives a Grade 4 test and scores 77%. The result is saved for later.
• The student receives a Grade 3 test and scores 100%.
• Because the previously saved Grade 4 score was 77%, the student is enrolled in a Grade 4 hole-filling course.
  • After completing the course, the student automatically receives another Grade 4 test.
• If the student passes that test, they are enrolled in a Grade 5 hole-filling course because their previously saved Grade 5 score was 70%.
  • After completing that course, the student automatically receives another Grade 5 test.
• If the student passes the Grade 5 test, they are enrolled in the full Grade 6 base course because their previously saved Grade 6 score was 59%. 

Placement example: Math

The following is an example of Math placement: 

• The student starts with a Grade 6 test and scores 70%. The result is saved for later.
• The student receives a Grade 5 test and scores 85%. The result is saved for later.
• The student receives a Grade 4 test and scores 100%.
• The student is then enrolled in the full Grade 5 base course. 

Although the student's saved Grade 5 score was 85%, failed Math placement tests result in full base course enrollment rather than hole-filling work. 

Common questions

Why did the student start below their age grade?

A lower starting grade does not automatically mean the student was placed incorrectly. Placement starts from a level that TimeBack can use to confirm mastery and then move the student upward.

Why did the student receive another placement test after passing?

Passing one placement test usually means TimeBack should keep checking higher levels. The student may receive several placement tests in the same subject before TimeBack assigns regular or hole-filling coursework.

Why did a failed placement create a "hole-filling" course?

Some results show that the student is close to mastery but still has specific gaps. In those cases, TimeBack may assign focused hole-filling work and then provide another opportunity to test mastery on that grade.

Why did the student see the same placement grade again?

After failing your first test or being assigned (and completing) a hole-filling course, TimeBack may reschedule the initially failed test.