Challenge

Researchers at the University of Chicago had developed an innovative framework for assessing early elementary literacy, along with a teacher development program that helped teachers learn how to use the assessment results to guide instruction.

A key analysis component was a real-world visualization consisting of post-its arranged on a wall. The project needed a partner to help build a technical framework for collecting student assessment data and providing analyses, including visualizations like the STEP wall, for teachers to use.

Solution

Inquirium initially built out a standalone software tool for data collection of completed paper-based assessments which provided visualizations—tables, charts, graphs, and a custom interactive “STEP Wall” that mimicked the client’s post-its arranged on a real-life wall. Within a few years, we transitioned the system to a dynamic website with a data backend. As the project grew, we added support for online assessments with much richer data, new ways of interacting with the datasets, teacher scoring tools (including discussion and peer review capabilities), professional development resources, roster management capability, integration with school information systems (OneRoster, Infinite Campus, PowerSchool), and Single Sign-on via Clever.

Results

During a 22-year partnership, Inquirium evolved the Online Assessment System (OAS) and Data Management System (DMS) through multiple technical eras, while continuing to expand the range of analyses and teacher professional development support available online. The project generated self-sustaining revenue for the client.