Differentiated Instruction and Measuring Readiness

I have been wondering what kind of easy to use, relatively inexpensive software is available that could help a classroom teacher measure the readiness of students on a particular subject. As a classroom teacher, we are expected to give pre-assessments on each topic (unit) that we cover and use these assessments to tailor curriculum for students. Unfortunately, designing pre-assessments and analyzing the results and finally tailoring curriculum for students based on their readiness is kind if overwhelming. Formative evaluation - what does this really look like in the classroom?

So, I hunted for software that would aid the teacher (me) in at least completing pre-assessment and data analysis of readiness relatively quickly. I found Quia, an online tool that allows me to make different activities for students to complwte online. Each activity will track student performance - so this may be a starting point for determining readiness, a key component of differentiated instruction.

I will be trying it for 30 days and then reevaluate it after this time. The price for a 1-year membership is only $49.00, a reasonable amount if it works for what I need - formative assessments. So here is the email response that I received after signing up for the free trial:


With this trial, you will be able to access all of Quia's features, including:

• Create 17 types of games and learning activities
• Create your own quizzes using any (or all) of Quia's 10
  question types
• Track quiz results
• Create class Web pages for communicating with students
• Maintain an online schedule and calendar
• Upload images and audio clips
• Share your activities with students, friends, colleagues,
  anyone in the world!
  

I wonder if anyone has used this web-based service.