ACTion for Mathematics-ASPIRE

Background The math assessment was developed to reflect students’ knowledge and skill accumulation over time; capturing what each student can do- across grades—and linking the results to being on track for college and career readiness.

Assessment Items There are two types of assessment items on the 2015 ACT Aspire Assessment:  Selected-Response (multiple choice)  Constructed-Response (tasks that require students to explain, justify, critique, create, propose, produce, design or otherwise demonstrate knowledge and understanding by generating a response)

Testing Logistics Math GradeTesting Time in Minutes Selected Response Constructed Response Total Items minutes29 – 31Up to 1641 or minutes31 – 35Up to 2045 or 53 *Spring overview states 6 & 7 grades 41 items and 8 th grade 45 items. *ACT Aspire Technical Bulletin states 6 & 7 grades 46 items and 8 th grade 53 items.

Score Reporting Categories  Grade Level Progress- indicates how students are progressing specifically on topics from grade-level standards in order to be on target for future grades (DOK Levels 1, 2, and 3).  Foundations— requires students to apply and integrate mathematics topics based on content from previous grade level (DOK Levels 2 & 3).  Modeling— derived from items where students show apply mathematics in modeling situations- creation, interpretation, evaluation, improvement.  Justification and Explanation— capturing evidence about a student’s ability to support and explain their mathematical reasoning- create mathematical arguments to justify in constructed response.

Score Reporting Categories- Content  Numbers and Operations in Base 10  The Number System  Operations and Algebraic Thinking  Expressions and Equations  Ratios and Proportional Relationships  Functions  Geometry  Measurement  Data, Statistics and Probability  Modeling

Grade 6 Points by Content Category Content CategoryNumber of Points Base Fractions1-3 The Number System3-5 Operations & Algebraic Thinking1-3 Expressions & Equations3-5 Ratio & Proportional Relationships3-5 Measurement & Data (Measurement)0-2 Geometry5-7 Data0-2 Statistics & Probability3-5 Justification & Explanation16 Total46

Grade 7 Points by Content Category Content CategoryNumber of Points Base Fractions1-3 The Number System3-5 Operations & Algebraic Thinking1-3 Expressions & Equations3-5 Ratio & Proportional Relationships3-5 Measurement & Data (Measurement)0-2 Geometry4-6 Data1-3 Statistics & Probability3-5 Justification & Explanation16 Total46

Grade 8 Points by Content Category Content CategoryNumber of Points Base Fractions1-3 The Number System2-4 Operations & Algebraic Thinking0-2 Expressions & Equations5-7 Ratio & Proportional Relationships0-2 Functions3-5 Measurement & Data (Measurement)1-3 Geometry6-8 Data1-3 Statistics & Probability4-6 Justification & Explanation20 Total53

Percentage of Points by DOK 6 & 7 Grade8 Grade DOK 17 – 15%8 – 15% DOK 233 – 41%30 – 38% DOK 348 – 57%51 – 58% *DOK 4 is considered by ACT to be multi-day so not assessed on the summative assessment.

Formulas?  The ACT Aspire mathematics assessment emphasizes quantitative reasoning applied to real-world contexts rather than memorization of formulas or computational skills.  Some ACT Aspire math items give students the formula(s) they need. (An item of this type goes beyond the recall of the formula). Some items do not include formula(s) even though one might be required for the problem. (This item type collects evidence of the student coming up with the relationship to solve the problem).

Calculators?  Students in Grade 6 and above are expected to use acceptable calculators on the ACT Aspire Mathematics Assessment –still awaiting a state ruling on calculator use.  Students in Grades 3-5 are NOT allowed to use calculators. (Students in these grade are expected to show evidence of executing important computational skills, practices, and understandings.)

Testing Date- April 30