Item Types in TAG

Utilize the TAG application in DMAC to create assessment items using the interactive item types as part of the STAAR 2.0 initiative for online testing.

  • When creating new items, first select Items > New from the top navigation bar. 
  • Select the desired category from the left menu and then click on the box for the desired item type (e.g., Single Response, Numeric, Hot Spot, etc.). 
  • Format the question and responses and save your item. After saving, attach related standards, content and keywords.

Item Categories

Available item types are organized by categories in TAG. Each category contains one or more different types. Hover over the boxes for a short description or to create new items.

Click on the item title below for a video explaining how to create each one.

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Single Response 

  • Students select only one correct answer from a set of possible choices. 
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer.

Multiple Response

  • Students select one or more correct answers from a set of possible choices.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. Example: 3 correct answers equals 3 possible points. Students will only be able to select the maximum possible correct answers.
  • Other Information: Maximum possible answer choices equals five.

True/False

  • Students select either true or false.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer.

Inline Choice

  • Students select the correct answer(s) from one or more dropdown menu(s) that are in context with the surrounding text. 
  • Scoring: Each drop-down has one correct answer. Each drop-down equals one point.
  • Other Information: Maximum drop-down choices equals six. 

TEXT ENTRY

Short Text

  • Students respond by typing a brief string of text such as a number, word, or phrase. The input will appear below the prompt.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. The correct response is scored by the software.
  • Other Information: Best practice – limit the answer to as few words as possible for maximum accuracy in scoring. Input type can be text or number. Input width determines the length of the answer box the student sees in the item. Character limit is the maximum number of characters the student will be allowed to type. Check to box if the answer must be capitalized.

Inline Text

  • Students respond by typing a brief string of text such as a number, word, or phrase. The input will be in context with the surrounding text.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. The correct response is scored by the software.
  • Other Information: This type resembles “fill in the blank” items. Best practice – limit the answer to as few words as possible for maximum accuracy in scoring. Input type can be text or number. Input width determines the length of the answer box the student sees in the item. Character limit is the maximum number of characters the student will be allowed to type. Check to box if the answer must be capitalized.

Extended Text

  • Students write an in-depth response by explaining, analyzing, and evaluating information provided in a reading selection or stimulus.
  • Scoring: Rubric scoring 1-9. Teacher scored. 
  • Other Information: Predefined character limits of 475, 675, 1750, and 2350. Users will also be able to create a custom limit with a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 2350. When a rubric scoring guide is added, it will be viewed on the answer key.

Numeric 

  • Students respond with appropriate numbers in formatted boxes (formally ‘griddables’ in DMAC).
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer.
  • Other Information: Numeric Response Format options include Grade 3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and High School Courses.

Match & Order

Drag and Drop Inline

  • Students match choices from a set to fill the gaps in a given passage of text.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. The correct response is scored by the software.
  • Other Information: Responses can include text, numbers or images. Check the Reuse box for answers to be used more then once. Response view can be changed by checking vertical.

Match Table Grid

  • Student matches statements or objects to different categories in a table.
  • Scoring: One point for each column or each row.
  • Other Information: Can score by column (row is default) and have multiple selections. Click inside the row or column to enter text.

HIGHLIGHT & DRAWING

Hot Text

  • Students cite evidence by selecting highlighted text in a sentence, paragraph, or extended reading.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. Multiple correct answers are optional.
  • Other Information: Cannot highlight between paragraphs. Highlight in the template box to format text OR select text to be highlighted. Use the second box to select the correct answer(s). When students choose an answer, it will show as a darker shade of blue.

Hot Spot

  • Students select one or more specific areas of a graphic.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. Multiple correct answers are optional.
  • Other Information: The image size’s maximum height and width is 675 x 875. Images can be dragged and dropped into the item. Alternate text to be read to students must be entered. Choose between rectangles or circles. Clone shapes to make them identical and move to the desired spot on the graphic. Rectangles and circles can be drawn on the same image. Select correct answers individually or in batch mode. When students choose an answer, it will show as a darker shade of blue.

MATH

Equation Editor

  • Students use an equation editor to enter their answer.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer.
  • Other Information: Student response must be an EXACT match to receive credit. Students can use a keyboard (ex: shift+8 for multiplication) to record their answer. Students only have access to the keys on the equation editor when entering their answer. This is modeled after the TEA Equation Editor and only includes x, y and z.

Fraction Model

  • Students use a fraction model to complete the answer.
  • Scoring: One point for each correct answer. Can be Equivalent or Exact.
  • Other Information: Students can create the model by selecting the total number of parts OR student can click the shade to select the correct answer. Model can be a Bar or Pie Graph. To Name the Model, click in the title above.

Creating and Formatting Items

Utilize the icons to format text when creating assessment items.

Paste Plain Text
Left Align
Center
Bold
Italicize
Underline
Superscript
Subscript
Unordered List (apply bullets)
Insert a special character: Hyphen; Minus sign; En Dash or Em Dash
Upload image from computer (PNG recommended). Max size 675 pixels wide by 875 pixels high.
*Right click on an image and click Properties; Add Alt-text for image to be described with Text-to-Speech
Edit in Full Screen Mode.
Listen to text (Text-to-Speech)
Content and Language Supports