​TIDALua
​(​Talent Identification and Development for Advanced Learners)

About TIDAL

Get the information to help make sure your student is challenged and learning at their full potential. 
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Above level achievement testing allows talented students to demonstrate their academic skills and not typically available evidenced on state tests (often referred to as an "artificial ceiling").

TIDALua provides above-level achievement testing and guides for interpreting score reports to understand your student's academic needs and readiness in grades 3-8 without the need for in-person tests.

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​The TIDAL Process

• Parents and students answer brief surveys about the student’s current educational experience, interests, and motivations  
• Students take virtually proctored achievement tests designed for two grade levels above their current placement, allowing them to demonstrate their current skill level 
  • ​Iowa Assessments: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science 
  • Example score report  
•  Families receive interpretation support with the score results: 
  •  Printable reports of the Individual Performance Profile and guides for interpretation 
  • Short interpretation videos for parents and teachers 
  • Live webinars and office hours with experts 
  • Insight on using this evidence to advocate for your student’s educational need 

Is my student challenged enough? 

Performs well beyond grade level peers

Performs at 90th percentile or higher on state tests

Studies independently or deeply on topics of interest

Bored in the classroom or losing motivation

Needs additional challenge or enrichment outside of school

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region CC PDM 1.0

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Registration

Step 1. Make your payment through the university system 

Step 2. TIDAL will reach out to schedule testing at a time that works for your family.

• We will schedule a 30 minute technology check and practice test to acclimate your student to the system. 
• Followed by two 90 minute sessions for the complete testing process. 

​All testing takes place over zoom. No more than four students will be scheduled at the same time with the virtual proctor.

Assessments

Using the Results 

As part of the TIDAL program, your student will take the Iowa Assessments which are a group of achievement tests designed to measure next-generation achievement standards and mastery. The key difference from typical state test experiences is that your student will take the level associated with students two grade levels ahead of their current placement. For example, your 3rd grade student would take the 5th grade level of the test. Then, your student’s performance will be interpreted in comparison to both 3rd graders, indicating whether your student is well beyond what other students in their grade know and can do, as well as to 5th grade students, showing the overall level of performance your student has achieved. 
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Both you and your student will be invited to complete additional surveys and measures which we will include in our report to provide the most informed recommendations about your student. 

We want to ensure that all families participating in this opportunity are empowered to use the results to advocate for the student’s needs in both formal and informal educational settings. The score reports and training provided will allow caregivers to identify the specific needs of your student and advocate effectively in the school. We can also provide score reports needed to apply to various out-of-school, Saturday, and summer programs for advanced learners. ​

Cost

To obtain test licenses and provide professional test proctoring services, the program is $50 per student. We offer a 10% discount per test for families registering multiple children. Please email Tamela Wilson (spema@ua.edu) for the discount code. ​

Learn more.

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