Developing a cognitive diagnostic of calculus skills for physics

Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Tests (CD-CAT) measures student skill development. To develop a CD-CAT for calculus skills, we analyzed data from the LASSO platform for 4,168 students on 3 math research-based assessments using item response theory and cognitive diagnostic models to evaluate the items from these assessments and their fit to our proposed learning objectives. The initial result shows good item psychometrics for almost all of the items. This indicates that calculus CD-CAT can provide a reliable and valid measure of calculus learning objectives that can inform instruction and research to improve student learning outcomes. A calculus CD-CAT can guide the research, development, and implementation of effective strategies and curriculum in physics education.