The Diagnostic Assessment and Achievement of College Skills (DAACS) is a suite of technological and social supports to optimize student learning. DAACS provides personalized feedback about students’ strengths and weaknesses in terms of key academic and self-regulated learning skills, linking them to the resources to help them be successful students.


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The Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Lab is one of the Open Educational Resources (OERs) provided by DAACS. It supports students in managing their metacognition, strategy use, and motivation.


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Rethinking College Readiness

In the past, newly enrolled college students had little reliable information about their readiness for college-level academic work. DAACS addresses this problem by providing students with detailed information and feedback on their preparation for college, as well as resources for shoring it up. By using DAACS, students can build needed skills in areas of self-regulated learning, writing, reading, and mathematics while enrolled in courses that lead to the completion of their degrees.

Focussing on the Whole Student

Current research suggests that self-regulated learning, mindset, and motivation are better predictors of college success than traditional placement or entrance exams. DAACS places emphasis on these areas and provides students with concrete strategies for becoming a more successful college student.

Predictive Analytics

Data provided by DAACS has been shown to increase the efficacy of predictive analytic models. These data not only help institutions identify their most academically at-risk students, but also provide specific information as to how they are at risk. With this information, more targeted interventions can be developed that better serve students’ needs.

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Take the Diagnostic Assessment and Achievement of College Skills and receive personalized feedback about your college readiness in self-regulated learning, reading, writing, and mathematics.

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What's New

Recent research, presentations, and news from the DAACS team.

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A Comparison of College Readiness among Adult and Traditional-Age College Students

By DAACS on January 16, 2026

A Comparison of College Readiness among Adult and Traditional-Age College Students Author: Oxana Rosca Abstract This dissertation provides a comprehensive validity investigation of the DAACS Reading and Mathematics assessments to ensure that college readiness comparisons between adult learners (age 24+) and traditional-age students rest on psychometrically sound measurement. Accordingly, the dissertation emphasized the collection of internal structure validity evidence for DAACS mathematics and reading assessments. The internal structure of the DAACS Reading Assessment was examined using confirmatory factor analysis and bifactor twoparameter logistic (2PL) item response theory (IRT) models to distinguish a general reading comprehension factor from passagespecific residual factors.

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Predictive validity evidence for a no-stakes, untimed, machine-scored diagnostic writing assessment

By DAACS on January 16, 2026

Predictive validity evidence for a no-stakes, untimed, machine-scored diagnostic writing assessment Authors: Elie ChingYen Yu, Oxana Rosca, Heidi L. Andrade, Angela M. Lui, and Jason Bryer Abstract The Diagnostic Assessment and Achievement of College Skills (DAACS) is a free, online system for assessing and promoting newly enrolled college students’ readiness in reading, writing, mathematics, and self-regulated learning. The system provides instant, personalized feedback and resources to promote success in college.

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DAACS at 2026 AERA & NCME

By DAACS on January 15, 2026

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming presentations LOS ANGELES, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, TO SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Free will as an obstacle to randomized controlled trials Saturday, April 11th,Los Angeles Jason Bryer, Angela M. Lui,Heidi L. Andrade,Piet Wesling Abstract: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for estimating causality. However, conducting research in educational settings using RCTs can result in unnatural intervention implementations due to participant agency — that is, their free will.

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DAACS at 2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA)

By DAACS on April 27, 2025

Fortunately, talk is cheap: Commitment language is associated with academic success in college Sunday, April 27th, Denver, CO Elie ChingYen Yu, Heidi L. Andrade, David W. Franklin, Angela M. Lui, Jason Bryer Abstract The impact of goal setting on self-regulated learning (SRL) has been established by educational psychology research, while counseling psychology research has documented the importance of goal commitment strength. This study of students’ written reflections on their SRL examines the associations between commitment strength, motivation, and GPA.

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