Diagnostic Resources

About Diagnostic Resources

The Texas Algebra Ready Initiative has several free tools to help teachers better pinpoint student strengths and weaknesses in mathematics and adjust instruction accordingly.  The Texas Math and Science Diagnostic System (TMSDS) is a free online math skills diagnosis and instructional resource system for grades 3-12 that provides both diagnostic assessments and an item bank from which teachers can create their own assessments.  The K-2 assessment tools are designed to help teachers make more informed judgments about the degree to which students understand and have mastered fundamental mathematics concepts.

Texas Math and Science Diagnostic System (TMSDS)

The Texas Math and Science Diagnostic System (TMSDS) is a web-based diagnostic assessment tool provided free to all Texas public and charter schools.  TMSDS allows teachers to pinpoint student math skill strengths and weaknesses and then tailor instruction accordingly.  TMSDS has been available to schools in Texas since 2002 and is widely used.  TMSDS contains content for grades 3-12 and includes diagnostic tests that assess critical pre-Algebra skills at each grade level in grades 3-8, diagnostic tests that assess student learning in Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry, and a bank of items that educators may use to create their own assessments, quizzes or homework.  All content is available in both English and Spanish. Learn more about TMSDS.

K-2 Math Assessments

Educators now have several new K-2-specific math diagnostic tools.  Texas A&M University and national early childhood math expert Dr. Herb Ginsberg of Columbia University have developed two types of assessment tools for K-2 teachers:  A rapid assessment tool and a flexible interview assessment tool.  Both will allow teachers to gauge Kindergarten through Grade 2 student cognition on key math concepts in different ways.  These assessments and accompanying materials are available free of charge to Texas schools.  Learn more about K-2 assessments.