HRI has developed teacher content assessments on a variety of science topics that researchers can use to study the effects of professional development for elementary (grades 3–5) and middle school (grades 6–8) teachers. These assessments were developed as part of the ATLAST and AIM projects that were funded by the National Science Foundation under grant numbers DUE-0335328 and DRL-0928177, respectively.
The ATLAST project focused on middle school science instruction and designed assessments for middle school science teachers. The AIM project developed assessments for both elementary and middle school science teachers.
The assessments are multiple-choice and use common misconceptions identified in research as distractors. In contrast to traditional content assessments, the multiple-choice items are written in the context of the work teachers do.
Accessing the Assessments
While HRI holds a copyright on all assessments developed by ATLAST and AIM, HRI grants permission for use at no cost provided the user agrees to certain terms of use. HRI requires that if the assessments are used, they be attributed to Horizon Research, Inc.
Accessing the assessments for review or use is a two-step process. First, download and read the relevant user manual(s) linked below.
Second, at the end of each user manual is a copy of the terms of use agreement. Print, read, complete, and sign the form, then mail it to:
Assessment RequestsHorizon Research, Inc.
326 Cloister Court
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Alternatively, the form can be faxed (919-493-7589) to Assessment Requests or scanned and emailed to <aim@horizon-research.com> referencing Assessment Requests in the subject line.
Once HRI receives the signed terms of use agreement, HRI will send the assessment(s) and supporting documents electronically.
User Manuals
Elementary School Teacher Assessments
- AIM Evolution and Diversity
- AIM Force and Motion
- AIM Populations and Ecosystems
- AIM Properties of and Changes in Matter