2. Profile of Student Not successful with conventional instruction Challenged by procedural type mathematics Need mathematics in “context” to see relevance May not have prerequisite skills

3. How can you help? Keep all problems in context Help students include familiarity with terminology and abbreviations Help students include familiarity with symbols Help students gain familiarity with the calculator they will use on the test Use estimation skills so they can get used to “checking all answers.” Practice unit conversions in problems in context

4. Strategies Do not waste time reading the directions Read problem carefully two times Underline the question in the problem. Ask yourself, “What am I looking for in this problem?” Circle, highlight, or underline all the relevant information. Ask yourself, “Is this all the information I need to solve the problem?” Draw a diagram or picture to aid in visualizing the problem, if appropriate.

5. Strategies (cont.) Figure out what you need to know to solve the problem Decide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Solve the problem, carefully calculating the answer Check answers for reasonableness Does my answer make sense? Check your calculation by performing the opposite operation (i.e. subtraction is the opposite of addition, etc) Estimate your answer in your head

6. Math Skills +, -, x, ÷ whole numbers, fractions, decimals, % Unit Pricing Area and Perimeter Averaging Unit conversions in customary, metric, and between the two (using formula sheet) Volume of 3-D figures (containers) Logical reasoning

7. Level 3CharacteristicsSkillsSample SINGLE type of mathematical operation (+, -, x, or ÷) on whole numbers, decimals, or percentages. Elementary workplace graphics such as simple order forms, bar graphs, tables, flowcharts, maps, instrument gauges, or floor plans Find one or two pieces of information in a graphic You regularly check the pressure gauge on a large tank. According to the gauge shown, what is the current pressure (in PSI)? One graphic used at a time Fill in one or two pieces of information from a graphic A. 5 B.10 C.15 D.20 E.100

8. Level 4CharacteristicsSkillsSample Set up and solve problems with one or two different math operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents Straightforward workplace graphics such as basic order forms, diagrams, line graphs, tables, flowcharts, instrument gauges, or maps One or two graphics are used at a time Find several pieces of information in one or two graphics Understand how graphics are related to each other Summarize information from one or two straightforward graphics Identify trends and compare information shown in one or two graphics You are a receptionist at a doctor’s office. A patient’s bill is $85.00. The patient’s health insurance requires the patient to pay 20% of the total bill. How much should the patient pay for the checkup?

9. Level 5CharacteristicsSkillsSample Several steps of logic and calculation involving a mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. Complicated workplace graphics, such as detailed forms, tables, graphs, diagrams, maps, or instrument gauges Sort through distracting information Summarize information from one or more detailed graphics You are working for the census bureau. Based on the information, there are 9,860 students in a population of 62,400. What percent of the total population do the students make up? Graphics may have less common formats One or more graphics are used at a time Identify trends shown in one or two graphics Compare information in one or two graphics

10. Level 6Characteristics oSkillsSample Some problems contain unnecessary information and require multiple steps Very complicated and detailed graphs, charts, tables, forms, maps, and diagrams Draw conclusions based on one complicated graphic or several related graphics You are applying fertilizer to a football field that is 360’ x 160’. You use 8 pounds of fertilizer per 1,00 sq ft. The fertilizer comes in 50 lb bags. How many bags do you need? Calculations involve a mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents Graphics contain large amounts of information and may have challenging formats Apply information from one or more complicated graphics to specific situations One or more graphics are used at a time. Use the information to make decisions

11. Level 7Characteristics of Items SkillsSample Set up and solve complex problems involving complicated calculations. Topics include rate of change, complicated ratios and proportions, multiple areas and volumes of 3-D shapes and locating errors. Content or format may be unusual Information may be incomplete or implicit Problems often involve multiple steps of logic and calculation Find mistakes in Level 6 questions Convert between systems of measurement. The farm where you started working has a vertical cylindrical oil tank that is 2.5 feet across on the inside. The depth of the oil in the tank is 2 feet. If 1 cubic foot of space holds 7.48 gallons, about how many gallons of oil are left in the tank? A.37 B.59 C.73 D.230 E.294

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