Algebra End-of-Course Assessment December 13 & 14, Retakes May 2013 – First time takers/Retakes

What is the Algebra ECA? Tests knowledge gained in Algebra 1 class Required for graduation

When Will the Test Be Given? Algebra I ECA is given at the completion of Algebra I First time takers – May Retakes – December and/or May

What Does the Exam Look Like? 54 problems total Consists of two sessions over 2 days Session 1 with calculator Session 2 without calculator Each session consists of 27 problems 55 minute time limit to complete each session Administered on computer

What Does the Exam Look Like? One question will appear per screen Students should skip a question if they don't know how to answer it right away. Students may also "bookmark" questions so they are reminded to revisit the question. Once a student has reached the end of the exam he/she will see a list of all questions. The question will either say "answered" or "unanswered". All bookmarked questions will also be indicated. From this list students may revisit any question on the exam.

What is Tested? Reporting CategoryStandards AssessedPercent Range Number of Problems 1-Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 7: Algebraic Fractions 15-25% Graphing and Interpreting Linear and Non-Linear Relations Standard 3: Relations and Functions Standard 4: Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities 20-30% Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 5: Pairs of Linear Equations and Inequalities 15-25% PolynomialsStandard 1: Operations with Real Numbers Standard 6: Polynomials 15-25% Solving and Graphing Quadratic Equations Standard 8: Quadratic, Cubic and Radical Equations 10-20%5-10

What is the Format of the Test? TypePointsPartial Credit Possible Multiple Choice (MC)1 pointNo Gridded response (GR)1 pointNo Graphing (XY)1-2 pointsYes (if worth 2 pts.) Constructed Response (CR)1-3 pointsYes (if worth 2-3 pts.) The Algebra 1 ECA has four different items types for presenting problems.

What Types of Questions Are Asked? Multiple-choice – Answer to the question can be found in one of four answer choices provided Numeric response – Answer to the question is a number response that must be typed in the text box Only numbers will be allowed, no variables Short answer – Answer to the question is a single expression or equation that must be typed in the text field Extended response – Answer to the question is a graph or a written explanation that must be typed in the space provided Students should explain their answer in full detail since partial credit may be awarded.

Sample Multiple Choice

Sample Graphing

Sample Constructed Response Javier purchases 1 apple (a) and 2 bananas (b) for $2.75. Crystal purchases 2 apples (a) and 1 banana (b) for $2.50. Write a system of equations that could be used to find the cost of the apple (a) and the banana (b). Find the cost of the apple. Reporting Category 3: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities Standard 5: Pairs of Linear Equations and Inequalities

What is Needed to Pass? The scaled score range for the Algebra 1 ECA is Pass Score Pass + Score 665+

How Many Questions Do I Need to Get Right to Pass? Difficult to predict You get a higher scaled score for correctly answering more of the difficult questions Student AStudent B Answers correctly the 20 EASIEST problems on the test. Answers correctly the 20 HARDEST problems on the test. LOWER scaled score compared to student BHIGHER scaled score compared to student A

What is SN Doing to Prepare Students for the ECA? Aligned curriculum to the ECA; teach to Indiana Academic Standards Giving extra support through Algebra Enrichment Acuity – additional resource used to track student progress and make data-driven decisions Remediation Sessions: after school help sessions Practice Resources USA Test Prep: High Achiever:

Acuity Testing Online assessment program that is offered by the Indiana Department of Education Designed to help monitor and assess student skill strengths and weaknesses in the standards Results help guide classroom instruction and identify areas of remediation for students Learning tool for students in an effort to help student pass state-wide testing End-of-Course Assessments (ECA) SN will be testing on:

What Can My Child Do To Prepare? Attend school Algebra 1 class regularly Come prepared to class Take good notes in class Complete homework assignments Ask questions during class and/or before/after school Study outside of class Review previous sections of their textbook Practice LOTS of problems! Attend the ECA Prep Sessions Use USA Test Prep outside of class Do their best on the Acuity tests Be here for ECA testing days!!

What Can I Do To Prepare My Child? Check Harmony often, check on students progress Make sure your student is doing their homework Encourage them to seek help, ask questions Encourage them to attend ECA prep sessions 2 nd semester for first time takers. Now, for retakes! Make sure they are eating breakfast, especially on days of the ECA test and Acuity tests. Ask questions about what they are learning

Resources Indiana Department of Education (Item samplers available here) (released Algebra 1 ECA items from 2011) Avon High School (Avon, IN) has an excellent ECA Resource Center Then click on Classroom Websites  Click on the “+” sign next to MATH -> Then click on Algebra 1 ECA Review Classroom teachers will be distributing ECA material closer to the date

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