Achieving Math Gains

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Achieving Math Gains

• Skills and Methods to Improve Post-Test Scores
• Michael Gallotte
• Gulfport Schools

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Objectives

• Discuss skills necessary for the teacher to be
  successful
  
• Discuss methods that can be implemented to
  improve post test scores
  

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Skills for the Teacher

• Effectively evaluating TABE scores
• Using correlations to decrease student work load
• Understand and implement knowledge of Scope and
  Sequence

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Evaluating TABE Scores

• What the symbols mean,
• (-) less than 50 correct
• (p) between about 50 and 70 correct
• () more than 70 correct
• What do I do about it?
• (-) usually means a longer lesson
• (p) usually means a shorter lesson
• () doesnt necessarily mean mastery

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Benefits of Using Correlations

• More specific
• Decrease student work load
• Decrease time until post test
• Student will not be frustrated by covering
  material they already know
  

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Test Mate and Item Analysis

• Hand scored tests automatically provide this
  information
  
• For those using Test Mate
• Select item analysis after you have selected the
  student
  
• Heres what you will see

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Correlations to Common Texts

• Contemporary
• www.mhcontemporary.com
• Steck Vaughn
• http//steckvaughn.harcourtachieve.com
• Or, drop me a line and Ill email them to you
• michaelgallotte_at_cableone.net

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Activity

• Examine the TABE scores included in the packet.
  Use the generic correlation chart and the
  materials at your site to work up an SIOA for
  each student.

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Scope and Sequence

• Scope
• Breadth of knowledge
• How deep do we teach?
• Sequence
• The order in which the information is presented
• Some skills build upon previously mastered skills

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Scope M Level

• Computation
• Decimals
• No Division
• Fractions
• No Multiplication
• No Division
• Only 25 have unlike denominators

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Scope M Level

• Applied Math
• Measurement
• No Area
• No Volume
• Geometry
• No Angles
• No Coordinate Plane
• No Circles
• Algebra
• Mostly Pattern Recognition

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Scope D Level

• Computation
• Decimals
• All Divisors are whole numbers

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Scope Level D

• Applied Math
• Measurement
• No Volume questions
• Geometry
• No Pythagorean questions
• Algebra
• No Squares or roots

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Methods to Improve Scores

• Introduce problem solving early
• Pre-Teaching
• Test taking skills
• Mixed reviews

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Problem Solving

• Introducing problem solving and the formula sheet
  early will make students more comfortable and
  better prepare them for the applied math section
  
• Also, the GED test is an application based,
  problem solving test

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5 Steps to Solving Problems

• Identify what they are asking
• Collect necessary information
• Make a plan
• Solve the problem
• Check your answer

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Pre-Teaching

• Pre-teaching is when you cover topics that are
  covered on one version of the TABE test but not
  the other version. This tactic will increase the
  chances that the student will do well on
  objectives not previously tested.

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Test Taking Skills

• Guaranteed to improve post test scores
• Keep a positive attitude
• Read the questions carefully. What is the
  question asking of you?
  
• Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your
  first choice is the right one, unless you
  miss-read the question.
  
• Don't worry if others finish before you focus on
  the test in front of you.
  
• If you cant see a path to work a problem. Try
  using the answers and working backwards.
  

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Mixed Reviews

• Most students can duplicate a skill in isolation
• To truly master a skill, a student must be able
  to recognize the type of problem theyre dealing
  with and solve it

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Be Aggressive

• If a student has a 5.9 in math, dont cover every
  single objective before you post test them
  
• The primary reason we are not advancing students
  from one skill level to the next is that we are
  not post testing
  
• Giving a student an early taste of success and
  help keep that student around longer

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Summary

• Effectively Evaluating Score Reports
• Using Correlations
• Understanding Scope and Sequence
• Fixing Fundamentals
• Introducing Word Problems Early
• Pre-Teaching for the Post Test
• Mixed reviews
• Being Aggressive with Post Testing