- The Drumcondra Primary Mathematics Test-Revised (DPMT-R) is a group-administered, standardised test of achievement in mathematics, designed for pupils in Irish primary schools. The content of the DPMT-R is based on the 1999 Primary School Mathematics Curriculum. The DPMT-R is designed to replace the Drumcondra Primary Mathematics Test, which was based on the 1971 Curriculum.
- There are six levels of the DPMT-R. There is one form (Form A) at Levels 1 and 2, and two forms (Form A and Form B) at each of Levels 3-6. The full range of the DPMT-R is shown in the table below. Spring norms are available for all 6 levels of the test. Autumn norms are available for Levels 1-5. For end-of-year testing, the DPMT-R should be administered in May or June, when pupils have had an opportunity to experience the entire mathematics curriculum for their class level. For beginning-of-year testing, the DPMT-R should be administered in October or November. Norms are not available for the beginning of First class.
Autumn Norms Supplement for Level 2
Autumn Norms Supplement for Levels 3 and 5
RANGE OF THE DPMT - R
| Class Level | DPMT-R Level | Form(s) | Colour Code |
| End of First / Beginning of Second | 1 | A | Orange |
| End of Second / Beginning of Third | 2 | A | Purple |
| End of Third / Beginning of Fourth | 3 | A & B | Blue |
| End of Fourth / Beginning of Fifth | 4 | A & B | Green |
| End of Fifth / Beginning of Sixth | 5 | A & B | Red |
| End of Sixth | 6 | A & B | Brown |
- Levels 1-2 of the DPMT-R must each be administered separately. This is because the test administrator reads out the test items for pupils. Levels 3-6 can be administered at the same time. This means that teachers of multi-grade classes can administer the test to several class levels at the same time. Levels 1-2 of the test take about 90 minutes to administer, while Levels 3-6 take about two hours.
- About 50% of test items follow a multiple-choice format. The remainder are short-answer items, where the pupil may be asked to write an answer to a question, or draw a diagram. In line with the revised curriculum, pupils are permitted to use a calculator for certain sections of the test at Levels 4, 5 and 6.
- Answers are scored using a scoring key, or scoring stencils. Raw scores on the test can be transformed to standard scores, sten scores and percentile ranks. These scores allow teachers to interpret a pupil’s performance with reference to pupils nationally at the same class level. Teachers may also wish to generate scores on the content areas and processes underpinning the revised Primary School Mathematics Curriculum.
- A supplement to the DPMT-R test manuals is now available. It describes performance bands that have been developed to improve interpretation of test scores, and ways in which performance on the test can be monitored over time. Click here.
The DPMT-R is available in both English and Irish. Tá an DPMT-R ar fáil i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. A separate administration manual (Lámhleabhar Riaracháin), covering administration of Levels 1-6 of the Irish version, is available, and should be read in conjunction with the English manuals.
A CD-Rom designed to facilitate scoring and reporting is in preparation.
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