Mathematics

The New Drumcondra Primary Mathematics Test (New DPMT)

Key Information: XXXX, XXXX, XXXX

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The New DPMT is the leading standardised mathematics test developed specifically for group administration in Irish primary schools.

The DPMT is divided into six Levels with parallel Forms for pupils in 1st class to 6th class.
It contains newly developed material and was standardised on a sample of primary school
pupils in Ireland in spring 2018.
The tests expertly address the objectives of the 1999 Primary School Mathematics Curriculum and situates a number of mathematical problems in real-world contexts.
The test is designed to appeal to pupils in each class level.
Features professionally designed, full-colour images.

Reporting

Level 1 – Screening test (First class)

It is recommended that this test be administered to small groups of pupils (~ 8) where possible. Level 1 provides a standard score as well as a criterion-referenced report (STen scores and percentile ranks are not reported for this grade level). As well as an overall mathematics report, results are broken down by Content Area:

Number/Algebra
Measures
Shape & Space/Data

The Individual Pupil Profile (provided in the manual) allows for a breakdown of answers by Strand Unit. In addition, a question-by-question breakdown can be completed using the Concepts and Skills Report.

Levels 2–6 (Second to Sixth classes)

These are designed to be administered to full class groups. Raw scores, standard scores, STen scores and percentile ranks can be computed for:

Overall Mathematics
Content Areas: Number/Algebra; Measures; and Shape & Space/Data
Process Skills: Understand & Implement; and Integrate, Reason & Problem Solve

Test Administration

Pupils at Levels 1 and 2 mark their answers directly into their test booklets. These are hand-scored by the teacher. Level 1 of the test is read aloud to pupils in full.

Pupils at Levels 3 to 6 use answer sheets. The test booklets are reusable at these levels. Levels 3 to 6 can be administered simultaneously to multi-grade classes. Teachers have the option of hand-scoring or using our machine scoring service

Spring & Autumn Testing

The norms for the New DPMT are spring norms in line with government guidance. The tests may be used the following autumn if schools wish to do so e.g. for pupils at the start of 4th class, Level 3 tests can be used. Please note that this does not constitute an exact comparison of like with like, however differences between spring and autumn are likely to be minor.

Currently, the New DPRT does not have a test-wide scale.

For further details on how the 2023 Primary Curriculum impacts the Drumcondra Mathematics tests, please click here.

Drumcondra Primary Maths Test (Online)

The New Drumcondra Primary Mathematics Test is a set of curriculum-based standardised assessments of mathematics achievement for primary school pupils in Ireland. Online versions of the test are available for pupils in Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth classes. Test content has been newly developed and standardised, meaning that the norms accurately reflect current achievement levels in Irish schools.

At each grade level, the online test has three parallel Forms. The New DPMT has a more practical focus than its predecessor, while still covering key content areas and process skills described in the current curriculum. The new test is also shorter than previous versions (50 items, as opposed to 75), to increase pupil engagement and concentration. The diverse population of primary schools in Ireland today is reflected in the contexts used and in the child-friendly, commissioned images.

Schools administering the online tests can generate automated reports immediately after testing, at no extra cost. As well as overall scores, reports provide three separate scores for the strands: Number/Algebra; Measures; and Shape & Space/Data & Chance. They also provide a breakdown by process skill, using two subscales: Understand & Implement; and Integrate, Reason & Problem Solve.

Key Features

Standardised on a nationally representative sample in spring 2018
Duration: 70 minutes (two sections of 35 minutes each). Allow an extra ~ 10 minutes for login and practice sections, and an extra ~ 10 minutes for the break between sections.
Target groups: pupils nearing the end of Third class, Fourth class, Fifth class, and Sixth class
Designed for easy group administration
Automated scoring and reporting
50 multiple-choice questions

Test is divided into two sections, each with 25 questions
Calculators allowed for second section for Fourth to Sixth class
All Content Areas and Process Skills assessed in both sections
Emphasis on real-life contexts while still assessing important procedures
Maintains predecessor’s focus on higher-order skills i.e. Integrating, Reasoning & Problem Solving