Middle and Upper Grades Math Placement and Readiness Testing

Why Readiness Testing?

A readiness test can be useful tool in helping to determine which math course is appropriate for a particular student. Though a readiness test is not a sole indicator of success, it can be used along with STAR scores and success in the previous math course to give the ES more information to place students in the appropriate math course and give them the support they need to be successful. Math placement in the middle school years can be particularly challenging, since Algebra 1 is both an eighth grade standards course and a course requirement for high school graduation. We want to ensure that our middle school students are ready for Algebra 1, or take another year to prepare, and then move on to Algebra in high school.

Who should take readiness tests?

Any middle or high school student may take a readiness test. However, it is required for the following students:

-Elementary students taking Pre-Algebra

-Elementary or middle school students taking Algebra 1 or Geometry

During the Spring semester, the following students will be required to take a math readiness test to determine math placement for the next school year:

-Current 5th grade students desiring to take Pre-Algebra in 6th grade

-Current 5^th,6^th, or 7th grade students desiring to take Algebra 1 next year

-Current 7th grade students taking Pre-Algebra (7th grade standards) this year. The readiness test will help determine appropriate placement for 8^th grade—Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra 1

-Current 8th grade students taking Algebra 1 this year. If these students demonstrate proficiency on the readiness test, then they can move on to Geometry or Algebra 2, if not, they should retake high school Algebra 1 in 9th grade.

-Current 7^th or 8^th grade students taking Geometry.

The Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) will be used.  Several general testing sessions will be offered in the spring, or the test can be administered by the ES.  The parent may NOT administer the test.

What test is used?

The Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) will be used. The MDTP is a diagnostic testing service provided by the CSU and UC systems. The tests are designed to determine a student’s readiness for a particular course, from pre-algebra through calculus. Here are instructions for Interpreting the MDTP Scores.

What kind of information does it give?

The score reports identify specific areas where additional study or review is needed for a student to be successful in a particular math course. They can help a parent or ES determine placement for the next math course. It can also help guide summer studying or additional tutoring.

Who administers the test?

A staff member must administer the test (45 minutes). A few general testing sessions will be offered at learning centers or other locations. The ES may administer the test in the home. See instructions below.

What if a student does not pass?

A low score on a readiness tests could indicate that the student needs to repeat the previous course, take an Algebra Readiness course before beginning Algebra 1, receive some remediation on an individual basis, or receive regular support throughout the course to be successful. See chart below.
If you have a parent that wants their student to take a particular math course, even though the MDTP indicates that they are not ready, you may also look at the STAR scores when discussing their options. If the ES and the parent disagree with the readiness and STAR scores, or if either would like more information, they may contact Debbie Kutz for help.

Mathematics Readiness Testing Instructions for ES Administration

· Contact the school office to obtain the appropriate test booklet. Note that you would request the booklet for the course the student would be taking next (ie., a pre-algebra student would take the Algebra Readiness test). Email cwsecretary@connectingwaters.org (cc: dkutz@connectingwaters.org) with the following information: test booklet desired, name and mailing address, student’s name and grade, ES.

Pre-Algebra Readiness (end of 6^th grade)—PR40A04

Algebra Readiness (end of 7^th grade)— AR45A00

Geometry Readiness (end of Algebra 1)— GR45A06

Second-Year Algebra Readiness (end of Geometry)— SR45A06

· NOTE: Test booklets are re-useable and must be returned to the school office after use. NO PORTION OF THE TEST MAY BE COPIED.

· The answer sheets can be obtained through Edusoft.com using the following steps:

1) Log into edusoft.com using your username and password

2) Select the Benchmarks Exams tab

3) Select Assessments

4) Select the MDTP folder (click on “+” for a drop-down menu)

5) Highlight the specific test you are using. (You will select the correct folder on the left to reveal the names of tests on the right side. Select the name of the correct test.)

Pre-Algebra Readiness --PR40A04

Algebra Readiness – select AR45A00

Geometry Readiness—select GR45A06

Second-Year Algebra Readiness – select SR45A06

6) Click on “print answer sheet” in the lower-right corner

7) Uncheck the box next to “Include generic answer sheets for each period”. Click on “continue”

8) Select the grade that your student is in, click “continue”

9) Select the name of your student’s ES. Also select the grade again.

10) Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “continue”

11) Print the answer sheet (you may need to save a copy of the document in order to print)

· Administer the test

1) Darken the bubble next to the student’s name taking the test. Write the student’s name at the top of the page.
2) Provide scratch paper
3) Do not allow calculators
4) Do not allow the student to write in the booklet
5) Allow only the suggested time limit of 45 minutes, unless a 504 plan indicates otherwise

· After the test is administered, return the answer sheet and the test booklet to the school office:

Connecting Waters Charter School

12420 Bentley Street

Waterford, CA 95386

Attn: Math Readiness

· After the answer sheet is scanned, you will be able to view your student’s scores on Edusoft

1) Log into edusoft.com using your username and password

2) Select the Benchmarks Exams tab

3) Select Reports from the icons under the Benchmark Exams tab

4) Select Student Performance Report

5) Type in your student’s first and last names. Click “Search”

6) Select your student from the list and click “Continue”

7) Under, “Select Assessments” there are 2 tabs: State Analysis and Benchmark Exams. Select the Benchmark Exams tab.

8) Select the MDTP test

Scroll down and select all of the options

Click “Next”

9) Review information and select click “Finish”

10) Choose “Printer-Friendly” format

11) View the report. See chart below for abbreviations. If the test gives a performance band number, it can be considered similar to the following:
Band 1—Far Below Basic
Band 2—Below Basic
Band 3—Basic
Band 4—Proficient
Band 5--Advanced

12) Record the raw score on the student’s learning record

Key to Abbreviations

Topic Areas Grouped by Test Level
PR - Prealgebra Readiness
FRDM	Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
FRDM	Fractions and Decimals
GEOM**	Measurement of Geometric Objects
GMMS^	Measurement of Geometric Objects
GRDA**	Co-ordinate Plane, Graphical Representation, Data Analysis
GRDA^	Co-ordinate Geometry, Graphical Representation, Data Analysis
INTG	Integers
LITS	Literal Symbols
PROP	Proportional Reasoning
**GEOM and GRDA Descriptions on version PR40A04 (GMMS^ and GRDA^ were changed)
AR - Algebra Readiness
DAPR*	Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistics
DECM	Decimals, their Operations and Applications; Percent
EQTN	Simple Equations and Operations with Literal Symbols
EXPS	Exponents and Square Roots; Scientific Notation
FRAC	Fractions, their Operations and Applications
GMMS	Measurement of Geometric Objects
GRPH	Graphical Representation
INTG	Integers, their Operations and Applications
GR - Geometry Readiness
EXPS	Exponents and Square Roots; Scientific Notation
GRPH	Graphical Representation
INGL	Informal Geometry and Logic
LINR	Linear Equations and Inequalities
POLQ	Polynomials, including Quadratic Equations
RATL	Rational Expressions
SR - Second Year Algebra Readiness
EXPS	Exponents and Square Roots; Scientific Notation
GEOM	Geometry and Logic
GRPH	Graphing
LINR	Linear Equations and Inequalities
POLQ	Polynomials, including Quadratic Equations
RATL	Rational Expressions

Math Readiness Test Selection, Scoring, and Placement

Current Grade of student	Current Course	Readiness Test needed	Score	Suggested Placement for next year	Score	Suggested Placement for next year	Score	Suggested Placement for next year
6^th	Pre-Algebra*	Algebra Readiness* AR45A00	0-18	Pre-Algebra	19-35	Pre-Algebra	36-45	a-g Algebra 1
7^th	7^th grade standards* (Pre-Algebra)	Algebra Readiness* AR45A00	0-18	Algebra Readiness	19-27	Pre-Algebra	28-45	a-g Algebra 1
8^th	Pre-Algebra	Algebra Readiness(opt.) AR45A00	0-18	General Algebra 1*** or Algebra Readiness	19-27	General Algebra 1***	28-45	General Algebra 1 or a-g Algebra 1
7^th or 8^th	Algebra 1 *	Geometry Readiness* GR45A06	0-18	General Algebra 1	19-27	a-g Algebra 1	28-45	a-g Geometry
7^th or 8^th	Geometry*	Second-Year Algebra Readiness SR45A06	0-18	a-g Algebra 1	19-27	a-g Algebra 1	28-45	a-g Algebra 2
*Readiness test is required for these students **Recommended placement with summer review and a re-test in August; additional support and remediation during the school year ***Recommended placement with possible additional support and remediation during the school year