Cambridge CEM Standardised Assessment
Dear Respected Parent,
As part of our continuous efforts to ensure that all of our students make the maximum possible progress in their studies, this year we will introduce the Cambridge CEM’s computer-based assessments to help us identify and diagnose learning needs; measuring and benchmarking learners’ potential. The baseline and diagnostic assessments adapt to each student’s level, accurately and quickly identifying their abilities in core academic skills.
In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that your son/daughter has been selected to sit for the pilot assessment this month. If your child is in grade 8, he/she will sit for Cambridge CEM Middle Year Information System (MidYIS) test on Wednesday, 17th February 2021. If you child is in grade 9, he/she will sit for Cambridge CEM Year Eleven Indicator System (YELLIS) on Thursday, 18th February 2021. If your child is in grade 11, he/she will sit for Cambridge CEM ALIS on Sunday, 21st February 2021.
How do MidYIS, YELLIS and ALIS work?
The test is an adaptive test based on a growing bank of questions and it is taken individually by students. The adaptive nature of the test means that all pupils are challenged and receive a bespoke test suited to their ability. This means that the most able students do not waste time on items that are too easy for them and lower ability students are not discouraged when faced with questions they cannot answer. Adaptive testing is considered the most efficient method of ascertaining a measure of students’ abilities. It offers pupils questions based on their answers to previous questions, and can therefore quickly focus on each student’s ability measure without requiring them to answer reams of unnecessary questions; questions that may be too easy or too hard.
What does MidYIS assess?
MidYIS assesses students in key cognitive areas which research shows are linked to later academic outcomes. The assessment comprises four separate, timed modules, always following the same order of vocabulary, mathematics, non-verbal and skills:
- Vocabulary – word fluency and understanding
- Mathematics – logical thinking, manipulating numbers and numerical concepts
- Non-verbal ability – recognising shapes, matching patterns, applying spatial awareness and visual intuition
- Skills – such as proofreading, and perceptual speed and accuracy
What does YELLIS and ALIS assess?
YELLIS assesses three key cognitive areas which research shows are linked to later academic outcomes, involving a combination of multiple choice and free-entry answers:
- Vocabulary – word fluency and understanding
- Mathematics – logical thinking, manipulating numbers and numerical concepts
- Non-verbal ability – ability to match patterns, reflections and rotations and apply visual intuition
What do MidYIS, YELLIS ans ALIS tell us?
MidYIS, YELLIS and ALIS assessments produce chances graphs. Chances graphs offer a picture of likely future outcome, expressed as a percentage chance, in each subject, for individual students and across subjects.
Students and Parents Presentation
On Sunday 14th & Monday 15th February 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be a short students’ presentation about MidYIS, YELLIS and ALIS testing and how the data is used by schools to improve learning.
I hope that this has given you a clear overview of MidYIS and YELLIS testing and the purpose. We look forward to contacting you again soon with your child’s results.
If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For more information on resources for parents and students, please go to the official Cambridge CEM website https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/about-us/cem/
Best Regards,
AIS Management