SPEEDRUN Contest - Understanding Skill Mastery and Contest Rules

Introduction

In the IXL learning environment, skill mastery and contest participation play pivotal roles in enhancing the educational experience. This article aims to elucidate the concepts of Skill Mastery based on IXL math lessons and the rules governing contest participation.

 

Skill Mastery in IXL

Skill Mastery is fundamentally rooted in the completion and understanding of IXL math lessons. These lessons are tailored to each student's learning path and are recommended on their dashboard.

How Does it Work?

• Personalized Recommendations: Students receive individualized skill recommendations on their dashboard. These recommendations are based on the skill plan for the grade that they choose.
• Progress Tracking: As students engage with the recommended math lessons, their skill mastery levels are continually assessed and updated, reflecting their growing understanding and proficiency.

Criteria for a Mastered Skill

A skill is considered mastered if it has been both, recommended in the skill plan, and completed successfully. This ensures that the skills are relevant and contribute effectively to the student's learning journey

• Mastery must be achieved through lessons that are tailored to the student's current learning stage.
• Each mastered skill counts only once for contest purposes, regardless of how many times a student revisits or practices the same skill.

Identifying Skill Mastery in IXL

Look for the "Mastered" badge: Upon achieving a SmartScore of 100, students receive a "Mastered" badge, visibly marking their accomplishment. Students get points if they master a skill that complies with the following:

• The skill must have been recommended on their dash.
• This is the first time the skill is completed.
• The skill is not related to filling knowledge gaps.

Actions that will not grant points 

Students will not get points if they:

• Work on any skills not recommended on their Dash (for example, by manually choosing a skill in IXL, or clicking on Skills from other sections in IXL like "Not feeling ready yet? These can help").
• Complete a skill that was already completed before.
• Complete a skill that was added to fill "knowledge gaps". Students must make sure they read all questions and explanations carefully to prevent being assigned "knowledge gaps" skills that can be avoided.

 

Contest Structure and Rules

Encouraging Fair Competition

The contest structure within IXL is designed to foster a fair and competitive environment. One of the key features is the allowance for students to select their competition bracket.

Key Aspects of Contest Rules

• Bracket Selection: Students have the autonomy to choose their competition bracket. This choice is typically within ±2 years of their age-appropriate grade, as recommended by the IXL Universal Screener.
• Discouraging Cheating: By empowering students to select their own competition bracket, the likelihood of unfair advantages or cheating is significantly reduced. This approach encourages honest participation and ensures a level playing field.

Mastery-Based Contest

The contests are structured around the skills students have mastered in their IXL math lessons. This means that their success in contests is directly linked to their diligence and proficiency in completing the lessons.