Train in the exact format
your students will face on test day
Kuliso's adaptive engine mirrors Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) — the format used by Virginia SOL grades 3–8 and NWEA MAP Growth. Except Kuliso does it in the student's home language first.
What is Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)?
In a standard fixed-form test, every student answers the same questions in the same order. In a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), the difficulty of each question adjusts in real time based on the student's previous answers.
A correct answer pulls the next question harder. An incorrect answer pulls it easier. The test homes in on each student's true proficiency level — which means it's both more accurate and more efficient than fixed-form tests.
This adaptive format is not just a feature — it's the mechanics of how several major state and benchmark assessments actually work. Students who haven't practiced in this format face a real disadvantage, independent of their content knowledge.
Student answers question
Every session starts at grade-level difficulty.
Algorithm adjusts difficulty
Correct → harder next question. Incorrect → easier next question. Real time, every question.
Proficiency level is estimated
After enough questions, the test converges on a precise score — no guessing required.
Kuliso works the same way
Students practice in this exact format. The mechanic isn't new when test day arrives.
Which tests use adaptive format — and which don't
Not all state assessments are CAT. This matters for how you frame test prep to teachers and procurement officers.
Virginia SOL — Grades 3–8 Math & Reading
Virginia's Standards of Learning assessments for grades 3–8 math and reading are computer adaptive. The VDOE transitioned these tests to CAT format to improve measurement precision across a wide range of proficiency levels.
This is the most directly relevant alignment for Virginia districts using Kuliso for their EL student populations.
Virginia SOL — Other Grades & Subjects
Virginia SOL assessments for other grades and subjects (science, history/social science, and grades not covered by the CAT transition) are fixed-form — every student receives the same questions.
Kuliso's adaptive practice still builds subject-matter mastery for these assessments, but the adaptive format itself isn't a direct parallel for these tests.
NWEA MAP Growth
NWEA MAP Growth is a fully adaptive benchmark assessment used by thousands of districts nationwide. It adjusts question difficulty in real time based on student responses — the defining CAT format.
Districts using MAP Growth for benchmark assessment can use Kuliso as direct format-aligned preparation, especially for EL students who face both content and language barriers on MAP.
Other State Adaptive Assessments
Numerous state assessments beyond Virginia are moving to CAT format: Smarter Balanced (SBAC), used in California, Washington, and 10+ other states, is fully adaptive. PARCC successor assessments in several states also use adaptive delivery.
Kuliso's adaptive engine is not state-specific — it applies to any assessment that uses CAT mechanics.
Kuliso's adaptive engine — same mechanic as the test
Kuliso doesn't just prepare students for content. It trains them in the adaptive format itself.
Starts at grade level
Every session opens at the student's grade-level standard. No pre-sorting, no placement test required — the adaptive engine calibrates from the first question.
Real-time difficulty adjustment
Each question adjusts based on the previous answer. Students who are ready get pushed harder. Students who need support get scaffolded — within the same session, automatically.
In the student's home language
The adaptive difficulty engine runs in the student's native language first — Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Somali, and 17+ more. Comprehension comes before English testing. Students aren't stuck on language when the challenge should be content.
Teacher-visible proficiency scores
Each adaptive session produces a proficiency estimate that maps to WIDA levels and grade-level standards. Teachers see exactly where each student is calibrated — not just a raw score.
MTSS tier routing
Adaptive sessions automatically route students into the correct MTSS tier based on performance. Tier 1 students get grade-level adaptive practice. Tier 2/3 students get scaffolded adaptive sessions with accommodations.
Practiced, not just experienced
On actual test day, the adaptive format isn't new. Students have navigated questions that got harder and easier based on their answers — in every Kuliso session. The mechanics are familiar.
Your students practice in the same adaptive format as test day —
but in the language they think in
Most test prep tools assume English proficiency. Kuliso doesn't. Adaptive difficulty and language support aren't separate features — they're the same session.
adaptive practice
scaffolded English
English assessment
One tool. Three jobs.
Kuliso replaces separate test prep software, separate language support tools, and separate MTSS intervention platforms. AI Tutor + Adaptive Test Prep + Language Bridge — in one session, for every student.
Learning Targets Mastered: —
WIDA Proficiency Level: —
WIDA Can-Do Evidence: —
Adaptive practice across all MTSS tiers
Kuliso's adaptive engine doesn't treat all students the same — because your MTSS framework doesn't either.
Grade-level adaptive practice
All students receive CAT-format adaptive sessions aligned to their grade-level standards. The adaptive engine calibrates difficulty within grade-level range.
Scaffolded adaptive with support
Students performing below grade level receive adaptive sessions with built-in scaffolding: vocabulary pre-teaching, chunked questions, and bilingual prompts.
IEP/504 adaptive with accommodations
Students with IEPs or 504 plans receive adaptive sessions with documented accommodations: extended time, language support, and simplified prompts where required.
Ready to see adaptive practice in action?
Run a free adaptive practice session. Watch the difficulty adjust in real time — in any of 20+ languages.