Profile of StudentNot successful with conventional

instructionChallenged by procedural type

mathematicsNeed mathematics in “context” to

see relevanceMay not have prerequisite skills

How can you help?Keep all problems in contextHelp students include familiarity with

terminology and abbreviationsHelp students include familiarity with symbolsHelp students gain familiarity with the

calculator they will use on the testUse estimation skills so they can get used to

“checking all answers.”Practice unit conversions in problems in context

Strategies Do not waste time reading the directionsRead problem carefully two timesUnderline the question in the problem. Ask

yourself, “What am I looking for in this problem?”

Circle, highlight, or underline all the relevant information. Ask yourself, “Is this all the information I need to solve the problem?”

Draw a diagram or picture to aid in visualizing the problem, if appropriate.

Strategies (cont.)Figure out what you need to know to solve the

problemDecide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or

divide.Solve the problem, carefully calculating the

answerCheck answers for reasonableness

Does my answer make sense?Check your calculation by performing

the opposite operation (i.e. subtraction is the opposite of addition, etc)Estimate your answer in your head

Math Skills+, -, x, ÷ whole numbers, fractions,

decimals, %Unit PricingArea and PerimeterAveragingUnit conversions in customary, metric,

and between the two (using formula sheet)Volume of 3-D figures (containers)Logical reasoning

Level 3 Characteristics

Skills Sample

SINGLE type of mathematical operation (+, - , x, or ÷) on whole numbers, decimals, or percentages.

Elementary workplace graphics such as simple order forms, bar graphs, tables, flowcharts, maps, instrument gauges, or floor plans

Find one or two pieces of information in a graphic

You regularly check the pressure gauge on a large tank. According to the gauge shown, what is the current pressure (in PSI)?

One graphic used at a time

Fill in one or two pieces of information from a graphic

A. 5B. 10C. 15D. 20E. 100

Level 4 Characteristics

Skills Sample

Set up and solve problems with one or two different math operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents

Straightforward workplace graphics such as basic order forms, diagrams, line graphs, tables, flowcharts, instrument gauges, or maps

One or two graphics are used at a time

Find several pieces of information in one or two graphicsUnderstand how graphics are related to each otherSummarize information from one or two straightforward graphicsIdentify trends and compare information shown in one or two graphics

You are a receptionist at a doctor’s office. A patient’s bill is $85.00. The patient’s health insurance requires the patient to pay 20% of the total bill. How much should the patient pay for the checkup?

Level 5 Characteristics

Skills Sample

Several steps of logic and calculation involving a mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.

Complicated workplace graphics, such as detailed forms, tables, graphs, diagrams, maps, or instrument gauges

Sort through distracting informationSummarize information from one or more detailed graphics

You are working for the census bureau. Based on the information, there are 9,860 students in a population of 62,400. What percent of the total population do the students make up?

Graphics may have less common formatsOne or more graphics are used at a time

Identify trends shown in one or two graphicsCompare information in one or two graphics

Level 6 Characteristics o

Skills Sample

Some problems contain unnecessary information and require multiple steps

Very complicated and detailed graphs, charts, tables, forms, maps, and diagrams

Draw conclusions based on one complicated graphic or several related graphics

You are applying fertilizer to a football field that is 360’ x 160’. You use 8 pounds of fertilizer per 1,00 sq ft. The fertilizer comes in 50 lb bags. How many bags do you need?

Calculations involve a mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents

Graphics contain large amounts of information and may have challenging formats

Apply information from one or more complicated graphics to specific situations

One or more graphics are used at a time.

Use the information to make decisions

Level 7 Characteristics of Items

Skills Sample

Set up and solve complex problems involving complicated calculations. Topics include rate of change, complicated ratios and proportions, multiple areas and volumes of 3-D shapes and locating errors.

Content or format may be unusual

Information may be incomplete or implicit

Problems often involve multiple steps of logic and calculation

Find mistakes in Level 6 questionsConvert between systems of measurement.

The farm where you started working has a vertical cylindrical oil tank that is 2.5 feet across on the inside. The depth of the oil in the tank is 2 feet. If 1 cubic foot of space holds 7.48 gallons, about how many gallons of oil are left in the tank?

A. 37B. 59C. 73D. 230E. 294

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