National Standard? How's the SAT or ACT?

The Obama administration plans to spend $350 million on national standards -- perhaps Mr. Duncan and his team will consider the SAT and/or ACT which provide an acceptable and common body of knowledge for the college admissions process and is the closest to a national exit exit exam. http://mathconfidence.blogspot.com/search/label/curriculum

In NYC, the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a similar indicator for early eighth graders. While some may not prefer standardized exams, test prep can be a tool for teaching and learning especially if old or sample exams are available. Many common Math mistakes and misconceptions can be diagnosed through the use of multiple choice with “good wrong answers” -- this seems to make a stronger impact than just teaching them the right way to do it!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061402660_Comments.html

Testing is an Opportunity

Testing has often been viewed as a threat rather than an opportunity. Multiple choice can be excellent for developing reasoning skills as knowing why what’s right is right is as important as knowing what’s wrong is wrong. Many common Math mistakes and misconceptions can be diagnosed through the use of multiple choice since they are intentionally designed with “good wrong answers”. By studying old or sample exams, much learning can be achieved along with focus and attention to detail that is so important on tests and in life.

New York asks for Feedback on Testing

This survey asks which months should be considered for New York State testing plus whether tests should be multiple choice and/or open-ended questions.

Parents, students, teachers, interested citizens click on the title and give your feedback on Grades 3 - 8 New York State testing. Because of No Child Left Behind, states have required testing in Math and ELA (English Language Arts).

First and foremost, constructing tests is a challenge – it is for me with only a few dozen students whereas the state has millions!!!

The state would like feedback on the format of the test -- multiple choice vs. open-ended questions. While the open-ended questions provide an opportunity for partial credit, some are tricky because they would like an explanation for Plain Old Math.

Click here for old exams and other info on testing in NYS:

General NYS Testing page
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/

Specific Math NYS page
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/elintmath.html