HSPA Math

http://www.state.nj.us/education/assessment/hs/

3 40-minute sections

10 MC each section

2 OE

Scoring

http://www.state.nj.us/education/njpep/assessment/TestSpecs/MathTestSpec/GEPAMath/MathIndex.html

Macros by Cluster

Answering Math Multiple Choice

Each question is worth one point.

Not penalized for guessing.

Try to eliminate incorrect choices.

Use the math reference sheet

Multiple Choice

Answering Open Ended

Worth 0-3 points

Read questions carefully

Show all work (calculations)

Include written explanations and labeled diagrams (not wordy but complete)

Always make an attempt (partial answers add points!)

How can we all help? Get students used to answering multiple choice

questions & using elimination strategies

Help students develop time management skills

Help students with reading comprehension in subjects other than LA

Require students to justify answers and model clearly written explanations

Help students learn how to deal with test anxiety

Support the math department in building students confidence in mathematics

Statewide Assessment Schedule, 2008

Forward Trends

State Assessment Advisory Committee (reps from educational organizations, business, and DOE) reform initiatives that will transform HSPA:

More challenging test content and more of it

“summative” assessments administered later in the year

Increased web-based score reporting and statewide student ID

Spanish language versions

End of course Biology Test (this year)

End of course Algebra 2 test