1. Focusing on the Math Benchmark Exam

2. Math Testing 40 Multiple Choice Questions (7 of which may not be solved with a calculator). 5 Open Response Questions

3. Numbers Sense, Properties & Operations Geometry and Spatial Sense Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability Patterns, Algebra & Functions Multiple Choice Open Response Multiple Choice Open Response Multiple Choice Open Response Multiple Choice Open Response Multiple Choice Open Response

4. 2006 Testing Dates February 22 – 23 –7 th grade Writing –8 th grade Writing March 6 –7 th grade Science March 7 – 9 –7 th grade Benchmark (reading & math) –8 th grade Benchmark (reading and math) April 10 - 14 –ITBS 7 th and 8 th –ITEB 9 th April 25 – 26 –End of Course Algebra April 27 – 28 –End of Course Geometry

5. 2/3 of the test comes from other than computation.

6. Reference Page The reference page is in the middle of the book. Practice using it. Make sure you use and know how to use it.

7. Multiple Choice A multiple choice item is the complete test question, including a stimulus, a stem and the options.

8. Sample of a Multiple-Choice Item

9. Options Will Be (the answer choices) In numerical order (ascending or descending) Represent common misconceptions Be logical, but incorrect Be plausible, incorporating common student errors

10. Key (the correct best response) Have one response that is the only correct answer and is clearly the best

11. Rationale (the reason for the option) Should show the process which led to the incorrect response

12. Open Response Read the prompt. Plan how to answer the question. Divide the answer box into the correct number of responses and number the boxes.

13. Responses Work Each Section Carefully Answer what the question asks. Show all your work. Label all responses.

14. Words & Phrases To Watch For Explain your reasoning. Bold words Label Show all your work or explain your answer. Explain the relationship between the two areas. Draw Explain why Graph Make a scale drawing. Give a reason for your answer.

15. Tidbit’s of Knowledge Graphs are not always pied correctly on the test. The manipulatives will never fit the graph exactly. Use the manipulatives from last year’s test when doing benchmark type questions so there is no change when it comes to the test. Rulers begin at the zero inside the outer edge. Last year, calculators could be used on all but 7 questions. They can be used on the entire geometry test. Make sure you know all types of measuring equipment and know how it is read.

16. Label Answers Answers that refer to amounts of something must be labeled. (Points are taken off if they are not.) –Examples: cmfeetpieces yards² cans