This study aims to examine the characteristics of formative test items in elementary schools by comparing the functionality of distractors based on classical and modern test theories. This research is a quantitative descriptive study. The data collection technique used in this study was documentation. The results of the analysis indicate that out of 25 test items, 16% were easy, 72% were moderate, and 12% were difficult, with 3 items not fitting. The measurement results using modern test theory showed that 60% of the distractors were not functioning effectively, and 24% of the items needed to have their answer keys checked, while the measurement using classical test theory showed that 56% of the distractors were not functioning effectively, and 12% of the items needed to have their answer keys checked. Less effective distractors indicate that they are selected more frequently by high-ability groups than low-ability groups. In this context, compared to classical test theory, modern Rasch model is capable of providing more complex results and detecting a greater number of ineffectively functioning distractors. However, in its implementation, the modern Rasch model is more challenging than classical test theory.