Education researcher enhances software to make assessments a tool for teachers
LAWRENCE — Jake Thompson is set to continue his work helping researchers and educators uncover more precise and actionable student data, thanks to a $347,000 grant from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), U.S. Department of Education.
Thompson, a researcher at the University of Kansas' Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), launched the measr project in 2021 with a $225,000 IES grant to develop a user-friendly tool that simplifies the process of estimating and evaluating diagnostic classification models (DCMs).
DCMs are complex statistical models used in student assessment. They help education researchers identify student strengths and weaknesses in specific subjects. Unlike traditional assessment models that rely on a single score, DCMs break down a student's performance into different skill areas called attributes. This detailed information helps educators identify areas where the student excels and where they might need more support.
However, DCMs are not widely used because of their complexity.
This is where measr comes in. The tool bridges the gap between those complex models and their applications in the classroom. Researchers use the software to try different types of models, evaluate model quality, generate reports and visualize student data.
“The first grant helped transform measr from an idea into a tool,” Thompson said. “This grant will help measr unlock the power of DCMs for even more researchers across skill levels.”
The second round of IES funding for this project began in August and runs through July 2026. During this time, Thompson will improve measr’s functionality, expand the list of supported model subtypes and add user-experience features and resources. Additionally, he will conduct workshops at professional conferences, promoting the adoption of DCMs in research and education practice.
By refining measr and offering training options, Thompson aims to equip researchers across skill levels to effectively support teachers and improve student learning outcomes.
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About ATLAS
ATLAS, a center within the Achievement & Assessment Institute at the University of Kansas, promotes learning and improved outcomes by creating accessible and academically rigorous technology-based learning and assessment systems. Visit the ATLAS website to learn more.