Algebra End-of-Course

Assessment December 13 & 14, 2012 - Retakes

May 2013 – First time takers/Retakes

What is the Algebra ECA?

Tests knowledge gained in Algebra 1 class

Required for graduation

When Will the Test Be Given?

Algebra I ECA is given at the completion of Algebra I

• First time takers – May

• Retakes – December and/or May

What Does the Exam Look Like?

54 problems total

Consists of two sessions over 2 days

• Session 1 with calculator

• Session 2 without calculator

Each session consists of 27 problems

55 minute time limit to complete each session

Administered on computer

What Does the Exam Look Like?

One question will appear per screen

Students should skip a question if they don't know how to

answer it right away.

Students may also "bookmark" questions so they are

reminded to revisit the question.

Once a student has reached the end of the exam he/she will see

a list of all questions.

The question will either say "answered" or "unanswered".

All bookmarked questions will also be indicated.

From this list students may revisit any question on the exam.

What is Tested?

Reporting Category Standards Assessed Percent

Range

Number of

Problems

1-Solving Linear

Equations and

Inequalities

Standard 2: Linear Equations and

Inequalities

Standard 7: Algebraic Fractions

15-25% 8-14

2- Graphing and

Interpreting Linear and

Non-Linear Relations

Standard 3: Relations and Functions

Standard 4: Graphing Linear

Equations and Inequalities

20-30% 11-16

3- Systems of Linear

Equations and

Inequalities

Standard 5: Pairs of Linear

Equations and Inequalities

15-25% 8-14

4-Polynomials Standard 1: Operations with Real

Numbers

Standard 6: Polynomials

15-25% 8-14

5- Solving and

Graphing Quadratic

Equations

Standard 8: Quadratic, Cubic and

Radical Equations

10-20% 5-10

What is the Format of the Test?

Type Points Partial Credit Possible

Multiple Choice (MC) 1 point No

Gridded response (GR) 1 point No

Graphing (XY) 1-2 points Yes (if worth 2 pts.)

Constructed Response (CR) 1-3 points Yes (if worth 2-3 pts.)

The Algebra 1 ECA has four different items types for

presenting problems.

What Types of Questions Are Asked?

Multiple-choice –

• Answer to the question can be found in one of four answer choices provided

Numeric response –

• Answer to the question is a number response that must be typed in the text box

• Only numbers will be allowed, no variables

Short answer –

• Answer to the question is a single expression or equation that must be typed in the text field

Extended response –

• Answer to the question is a graph or a written explanation that must be typed in the space provided

• Students should explain their answer in full detail since partial credit may be awarded.

Sample Multiple Choice

•

Sample Graphing

•

Sample Constructed Response

Javier purchases 1 apple (a) and 2 bananas (b) for $2.75.

Crystal purchases 2 apples (a) and 1 banana (b) for $2.50.

• Write a system of equations that could be used to find the

cost of the apple (a) and the banana (b).

• Find the cost of the apple.

Reporting Category 3: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Standard 5: Pairs of Linear Equations and Inequalities

What is Needed to Pass?

The scaled score range for the Algebra 1 ECA is

300-900

Pass Score

564-664

Pass + Score

665+

How Many Questions Do I Need to Get

Right to Pass?

Difficult to predict

You get a higher scaled score for correctly answering

more of the difficult questions

Student A Student B

Answers correctly the 20 EASIEST

problems on the test.

Answers correctly the 20 HARDEST

problems on the test.

LOWER scaled score compared to student B HIGHER scaled score compared to student A

What is SN Doing to Prepare Students

for the ECA?

Aligned curriculum to the ECA; teach to Indiana

Academic Standards

Giving extra support through Algebra Enrichment

Acuity – additional resource used to track student

progress and make data-driven decisions

Remediation Sessions: after school help sessions

Practice Resources

• USA Test Prep: www.usatestprep.com

• High Achiever: www.doe.state.in.us/highachiever/student

Acuity Testing

Online assessment program that is offered by the Indiana Department

of Education

Designed to help monitor and assess student skill strengths and

weaknesses in the standards

Results help guide classroom instruction and identify areas of

remediation for students

Learning tool for students in an effort to help student pass state-wide

testing End-of-Course Assessments (ECA)

SN will be testing on:

What Can My Child Do To Prepare?

Attend school Algebra 1 class regularly

Come prepared to class

Take good notes in class

Complete homework assignments

Ask questions during class and/or before/after school

Study outside of class

Review previous sections of their textbook

Practice LOTS of problems!

Attend the ECA Prep Sessions

Use USA Test Prep outside of class

Do their best on the Acuity tests

Be here for ECA testing days!!

What Can I Do To Prepare My Child?

Check Harmony often, check on students progress

Make sure your student is doing their homework

Encourage them to seek help, ask questions

Encourage them to attend ECA prep sessions 2nd semester

for first time takers. Now, for retakes!

Make sure they are eating breakfast, especially on days of

the ECA test and Acuity tests.

Ask questions about what they are learning

Resources

• Indiana Department of Education http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/eca_resources.html

(Item samplers available here) • http://www.doe.in.gov/assessment/docs/Algebra_S10.pdf

(released Algebra 1 ECA items from 2011)

• Avon High School (Avon, IN) has an excellent ECA Resource Center

http://hs.avon-schools.org/ Then click on Classroom Websites Click on the “+” sign next to MATH -> Then click on Algebra 1 ECA Review

• Classroom teachers will be distributing ECA material closer to the date

• http://www.hammond.k12.in.us/MortonHS/MHS%20We

bsite%20Homepage/11_12_9%2013%20ECA%20Inform

ational%20Session_final.pdf