Middle and Upper Grades Math Placement Testing

 

Why Placement Testing?

Placement tests can be a useful tool in helping to determine which math course is appropriate for a particular student.  Though a placement 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 given them the support they need to be successful.

 

Which test?

Many publishers have placement tests for their curriculum.  If you have chosen a curriculum, and they have placement tests, you may use them.  However, the Saxon Placement tests are recommended for any student because of the accessibility and ease of use.  Even if your student is not using the Saxon curriculum, the tests can be used to help determine placement in a course.

The Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) is another option.  Both tests are explained below.

 

Who should take placement tests?

Any middle or high school student may take a placement test.  However, it is required for all middle and high school students scoring Below Basic on the STAR test, a grade of below a C- in the previous math course, or a new middle school or high school student who is planning on beginning Algebra 1. The test must be completed at the first meeting of the school year with the ES, and recorded in the learning record.

 

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, receive some remediation on an individual basis, or that the student will most likely need regular support throughout the course to be successful. 

 

Who do I contact for assistance?

Do not hesitate to contact our Math Specialist, Debbie Kutz, dkutz@connectingwaters.org , with any questions about using or interpreting the results of these tests.

 

 

Saxon Placement Test Instructions

 

A. Downloadable placement test for Algebra 1 through Calculus

There are four parts to this test.  Each one has ten questions. Each section helps to determine readiness for each of the following courses: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Advanced Math, or Calculus. (For a student not using the Saxon curriculum, but wanting to begin Geometry, they should be able to successfully complete Part 2)

1) Download the test from the following link:

http://saxonhomeschool.harcourtachieve.com/HA/correlations/pdf/h/hs_upper_placement.pdf

2) Follow the instructions that accompany the tests for administering and scoring.

 

B.  Online placement test for the middle grades

The test is divided into parts with 10 questions each.  The better a student does, the more parts the computer prompts them to do.  This will determine placement for Math 65 (4th grade) through Algebra1.

1)  Have a student access the test via this link:

http://researchreply.inquisiteasp.com/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?PR5YT3

2) Follow the prompts on the computer.  Make sure the student has scratch paper available to work out the problems.

 

C.Downloadable placement test for the middle grades

There are five parts to this test.  Each part has ten questions.  It is similar to the online version, but needs to be hand-scored.

1)  Download the test from the following link:

http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/HA/correlations/pdf/m/middle_placement.pdf

2) Follow the instructions that accompany the test for administering and scoring.

 

 

Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project

Information and Instructions

 

What is the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP)? 

The MDTP is a diagnostic testing service provided by the CSU and UC systems.  It is free to K-12 California teachers and can also be used by college students.  The tests are designed to determine a student’s readiness for a particular course, from prealgebra through calculus.

 

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 takes the MDTP?

            Any student who is getting ready to take one of the courses in pre-algebra through calculus may take these tests.

 

Who administers the test?

            An ES or a parent can determine which test or tests they want to use.    The parent would administer the test (45 minutes).

 

How are the tests administered?

·        Tests can be obtained from one of the learning centers.  If that is not convenient, you may request a test or tests to be mailed to you.  Contact the Waterford Office or email dkutz@connectingwaters.org.  Test booklets are re-useable and should be returned to the centers after use. 

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

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

2)      Select PDF Reports for Groups and Individuals

3)      Select the Benchmarks Exams tab

4)      Select Assessments

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

6)      Highlight the specific test you are using

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

8)      Click on “continue”

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

10)   Select the name of your student’s ES

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

12)  Print the answer sheet

·        After the test is administered, the answer sheet should be sent to a learning center to be scanned.

 

How are the tests scored?

After the tests are scanned, a score report can be accessed at Edusoft.com using the following steps:

1)       Log into Edusoft

2)       Click on Benchmark Exams tab

3)       Click on Assessments

4)       Click on Reports

5)       Click on Performance Band Reports

6)       Select the test. You will click the correct folder on the
left to reveal the names of tests on the right side. Click the name of the
correct test. Click Continue.

7)       From the drop-down box next to "Create one report for:" click the down
arrow and choose "each student"

8)       If you wish to include sub-standards or question groups, you can click
the "Standard" and/or Question Group check boxes.
> Note: If you have not defined Questions Groups for this exam, there will
be no Questions Groups to report on.
> If you wish to run an item analysis report also do step 9, if not skip to
step 10.

9)      Under "Item analysis:" check the box that says, "Include item analysis"
and if you wish to have highlighting of the wrong questions click Continue.

10)   All students in the chosen periods will automatically be selected,
which you can print the report for all or click the "uncheck all" link to
deselect all and then use the check boxes to select the appropriate
individual students.

11)    Click Continue to generate the PDF report.