Using Pro-Core in the Classroom

Pro-Core has evolved over the past 20 years to remain aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards and state testing requirements. More than an assessment practice tool, Pro-Core is designed to support teacher-directed instruction and enhance student learning through meaningful, actionable data.

Main Purpose

Pro-Core is designed to provide teachers with high-quality student data (HQSD) that supports informed instructional decision-making. The platform helps educators identify student strengths and areas for improvement within specific content standards, enabling targeted and effective instruction. Pro-Core assessments also function as instructional tools, allowing teachers to reinforce concepts aligned with the Ohio Learning Standards and adapt assessments to their individual teaching styles.

Tailoring Pro-Core to Fit Your Teaching Style

Form Tests (Forms A, B, and C)

Form tests are designed to closely mirror Ohio State Tests and End-of-Course (EOC) exams, providing students with an authentic practice experience.

• Provide high-quality student data (HQSD)
• Deliver scaled scores, performance levels, and growth ratings
  (Students must complete at least two of the three forms to generate growth data.)
• Produce aggregated results for teachers and schools
• Support instructional planning at the classroom and individual student level

Short-Cycle Web Assessments (SCWAs)

• Each standard includes a brief 6–10 question assessment
• Assessments may be administered multiple times, once per day
• Useful for review, remediation, and pre- and post-testing
• Detailed reports support progress monitoring and instructional adjustments

Teacher Personalized Assessments (TPAs)

Teacher Personalized Assessments allow teachers or teams to create customized assessments aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards and local instructional frameworks.

• Built using Pro-Core’s question bank
• Flexible length and administration rules
• Can be used for diagnostic, formative, or summative purposes
• Suitable for unit tests, grading period assessments, semester exams, and final exams
• Detailed reports support ongoing analysis of student progress

How Teachers Use Pro-Core in Their Classrooms

Using Form Tests to Measure Mastery and Growth

Effective teachers typically administer Form A at the beginning of the year to establish baseline data and guide instructional planning. Form B is often used mid-year to track progress, while Form C serves as a summative assessment at the end of the year.

Teachers use:

• Individual student reports to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Class-level reports to plan small-group and whole-group instruction
• Growth data to monitor progress across the school year

Using Short-Cycle Web Assessments Throughout the Year

SCWAs are used regularly to measure mastery of specific learning standards and to respond to data from Form tests.

Teachers commonly:

• Use SCWAs as follow-up assessments based on Form test results
• Incorporate SCWA questions into classroom instruction and discussions
• Use SCWAs as pre- and post-tests to evaluate instructional effectiveness
• Monitor progress using detailed reporting tools

Using Teacher Personalized Assessments for Targeted Instruction

TPAs are used throughout the year to assess mastery of multiple standards and support instructional flexibility.

Teachers often:

• Administer TPAs at the beginning of the year to assess prior learning
• Use TPAs as follow-up assessments after Form tests
• Incorporate TPA questions into instruction and discussion
• Create end-of-unit, grading period, or semester assessments collaboratively or independently
• Use reports to guide instructional decisions and measure progress

Using the Question of the Day

The Question of the Day feature supports daily formative assessment and instructional dialogue.

Teachers use this feature to:

• Create single-question bell-ringers and exit tickets
• Monitor student responses in real time using Live Results
• Project questions for whole-class discussion
• Discuss problem-solving strategies and reasoning
• Build student confidence and persistence
• Reinforce critical thinking and reasoning skill

The Pro-Core Assessment Cycle

The foundation of the Pro-Core system is a three-step instructional cycle:

1. Students complete a Form assessment, beginning with Form A.
2. Teachers analyze class and individual student data using available reports to identify instructional needs.
3. Teachers use SCWAs and other assessment tools to plan targeted group or individual instruction.
4. Teachers use Teacher Personalized Assessments (TPA) to measure progress on specific classroom topics.
5. Teachers use the Question of the Day for a daily snapshot of student mastery of specific Ohio Learning Standards.

This cycle is flexible and may be adjusted based on instructional goals and teacher purpose.

Levels of Implementation

Level 1: Form Assessments

Teachers use Form A as a pre-test, Form B for progress monitoring, and Form C as a summative assessment. Data from individual and class reports informs instructional planning throughout the year.

Level 2: Short-Cycle Web Assessments

Teachers use SCWAs throughout the year to focus on individual standards. These assessments are often used following Form tests and are integrated into daily instruction.

Level 3: Teacher Personalized Assessments/Question of the Day

Teachers use TPAs and the Question of the Day to create highly targeted assessments, including single-question activities, bell-ringers, exit tickets, and unit assessments. Classroom discussion and strategy analysis are emphasized to support student engagement and perseverance.