2006 PSSA Math Update

Agenda Review of previous PSSA 2005 PSSA 2006 and beyond

Previous Years PSSA based on Academic Standards 11 Standard Categories Numbers Computation Measurement Reasoning Communication Statistics and Data Analysis Probability Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Concepts of Calculus

Previous Years Student score came from: 70 Multiple Choice questions 3 Open-Ended questions Students took: 85 Multiple Choice questions 4 Open-Ended questions

Previous Years Stand-alone Field Test administered to volunteer districts in Feb. Open-Ended items were scored on a 0-5 scale. Item-specific rubric based on General Rubric

Previous Years Testing time was approximately 4 hours (for Math). Testing only in Grades 3 (which was slightly different), 5, 8 and 11

2005/2006 (Current Year(s)) Based on Assessment Anchors within 5 Reporting Categories Numbers and Operations Measurement Geometry Algebra Data Analysis

Currently Student score comes from: 54 Multiple Choice questions 3 Open-Ended questions (at Gr. 3 it’s 2 OE) Students take: 66 MC at grades and 11 5 Open-Ended Grade 3 – 72 MC and 4 OE

Currently Test Format Scores come from the COMMON ONLY.

Currently Embedded Field Test Open-Ended items scored on a 0-4 scale Item-specific rubrics but no general rubric.

Currently Testing time is approximately 2.5 hours for Math, 2 hours for Grade 3. Testing in Grades 3-8 and 11. Grade 4 test is more like the grade 5 test than the grade 3 test.

Currently Grade 4 will be allowed to use calculators Punch-out rulers will be provided at grades where needed. Students must use the rulers provided for the PSSA. Rulers scaled in centimeters and inches

Currently Grade 3: Takes fewer items OE – “Using information from the problem to try to solve the problem” scores at least a 1. Cannot use calculators

Current Test Blueprint

Testing Window – ‘06 Feb 13 – 24, 2006, Writing – Grades 5, 8 and 11 March 20 – 31, 2006, Math and Reading -- Grades 3 – 8 and 11 Oct 23 – Nov 3, 2006, Retest in Math, Reading and Writing

Anchors and Changes Original Anchors – ’05 Revised Anchors – ’07 Download a copy of the “07 Anchors” NOW! Will be periodically reviewed and then revised as needed.

Anchor Cards 4&a_and_tNav=|6404|&a_and_tNav=| M11.D Algebraic Concepts M11.D.2 Represent and/or analyze mathematical situations using numbers, symbols, words, tables and/or graphs. M11.D.2.1 Solve and/or graph linear equations and inequalities using various methods. M11.D Solve compound inequalities and/or graph their solution sets on a number line (may include absolute value inequalities). M11.D Identify or graph linear inequalities on a coordinate plane. M11.D Write and/or solve a linear equation from given problem situations. M11.D Solve systems of equations using graphing, substitution and/or elimination (use numbers that assess concept rather than computation or number sense). M11.D Solve quadratic equations using factoring (integers only – not including completing the square or the Quadratic Formula). 20

Item Sampler ew.asp?a=108&Q=73314&a_and_tNav=|6 80|&a_and_tNav=| ew.asp?a=108&Q=73314&a_and_tNav=|6 80|&a_and_tNav=| Grades 3 – 8 and 11 MC and OE

Performance Level Descriptors ew.asp?a=108&q= ew.asp?a=108&q=114348

Pennsylvania Department of Education Mathematics Problem Solving – Grade 8 Performance Level Descriptors Within the context of grade-level appropriate settings and content, an eighth grade student performing at the Basic level of problem solving skills will: apply basic procedures and reasoning to solve routine problems; differentiate between necessary and unnecessary information; translate simple scenarios into mathematical statements; confirm solutions by “checking” work. Within the context of grade-level appropriate settings and content, an eighth grade student performing at the Proficient level of problem solving skills will: select and use appropriate solution techniques; use appropriate grade level mathematical language to communicate procedures and results; represent data and concepts in different forms; use informal proof to justify solutions; summarize solutions and conclusions. Within the context of grade-level appropriate settings and content, an eighth grade student performing at the Advanced level of problem solving skills will: make connections across areas of mathematics; use formal reasoning and proof to justify solutions; devise and communicate complex problem solving strategies; evaluate validity of solutions.

New Cut Scores

Questions? Division of Assessment