A Framework to Evaluate Cognitive Complexity in Mathematics Assessments

Achieve’s new mathematics cognitive complexity framework allows for the evaluation of the cognitive complexity of individual mathematics assessment items through a simple two-step consideration of three aspects of rigor (conceptual rigor, procedural rigor, and application rigor). This process represents a new approach to evaluating mathematics assessment items against two of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)’s 2013 mathematics-specific criteria for evaluating and procuring high-quality assessments: Assessing a balance of concepts, procedures, and applications and Requiring a range of cognitive demand.

A recording of an introductory webinar on the mathematics framework is available here. 

For more information about Achieve's Cognitive Complexity Frameworks in mathematics, reading, and science, click here.