OPT 101 Presenters: Vicki Angel, Karen Greer Math Institute Trainers

Objectives: To gain knowledge in basic numeracy teaching methods and provide teachers with lesson plans to implement in their classrooms. Skills will include number sense, place value, rounding, mean, mode, median, and basic fractions.

Everything you wanted to know about the OPTs but were afraid to ask.

Purpose  Similar in content, difficulty, and format to the GED test  Introduction to types of topics and questions used on the test  Practice test taking skills under simulated conditions  Half length

Reasons to use the OPTs  Free to student  Administered by local site  Multiple forms  Open schedule  Paper based  Scored onsite by administrator

Scoring  Standard Scales provided by GED Testing Service  Minimum passing score is 410  Total points for all 5 tests is 2250(450 average)  Paper based answer sheets  Testing centers may require OPT scores prior to testing

Instructions to Students  Read all directions and questions carefully and completely  Pick a single best answer  There are no trick questions  Answer every questions  If you get stuck on a question, move on and then come back  Eliminate choices that you know are wrong and pick the best remaining answer  No penalty for wrong answers

Predictor of GED Test Success  If scores are higher than the average score needed, then you are probably ready to test  If your scores are about the same as the minimum passing score, you may need more study before taking the test  If your scores are lower than the minimum passing score, more study is needed

Retakes  Check with your local test administrator to see requirements for retakes

Makeup of GED Math Test  Two parts, calculators supplied for Part 1  Content Areas o Number sense and operations 20 – 30 % o Measurement and geometry 20 – 30 % o Data analysis, statistics, and probability 20 – 30 % o Algebra, functions, and patterns 20 – 30 % For possible specific problem topics refer to OPT Administrator’s Manual

Formula Page  Formula Page is on page 4 in test booklets for parts 1 and 2  Formula Page does not include measurement conversions, so these need to be covered before testing(i.e. 16 ounces = 1 lb.  Each and every formula should be taught and practiced prior to testing

Calculator Directions  Directions for using the calculator are included on the OPTs  Prior teaching and practice is a must before testing  All keys which may be needed on the test should be taught and practiced

Presenters  Vicki Angel  Karen Greer

Number and Coordinate Plane Grids  Instructions are included in test booklets  3 Grid problems on Part 1  1 Grid problem and 1 Graph problem on Part 2

The Test  Part 1 has 13 questions and 23 minutes is allowed for testing  Part 2 has 12 questions and 22 minutes is allowed for testing  Blank paper may be used for calculations  Answers are recorded on answer sheet provided by GED Testing Service  Mark only intended answers on answer sheet in bubbles, stray marks can cause a correct answer to be counted as incorrect