Preparing for TCAP
Here are
some tips for preparing for the mathematics portion of the TCAP test:
1.
Focus
on problem solving with computation assessed
2.
Application
of multiple skills to problem-solving situations
3.
Presence
of estimation
4.
Calculators
5.
Emphasis
on connections
6.
Real-world
situations
7.
Use
of a ruler
Sample Item Format and Stems
Another
helpful suggestion concerns making students conscious of the test format, in
particular Òstem questions.Ó The "stem" is
the introductory question or incomplete statement at the beginning of each item
and this is followed by the options (Kehoe, 1997). Students need to be familiar
with the test terminology and design. Here are some examples of sample items
and stems:
1.
Computation can include a Ònon of theseÓ option.
2.
Ò The answer to this problem is aboutÉ..Ó
3.
Which of the (_________) is the best estimate?
4.
Rank items by (height, weight, length,etc.) and identify a
specified position (first, third, last, etc.)
5.
Create Ònumber sentencesÓ to match a problem presented.
6.
Finish or identify patterns.
7.
Predict the continuation of a pattern.
8.
Identify missing parts of a pattern.
9.
Interpret a line, bar graph, or tally chart; identify how results
would change based on adding new data.
10.
Slide, flip, or turn figures on a grid.
11.
Sort shapes by their common attributes.
12.
Identify the best type of chart or graph to use for a given set of
data.
Provided by Rosemary Mosier, Director of
Elementary and Middle Grades Education,
TN State Dept. of
Education
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/TCA
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/grade_level_help.htm
http://jc-schools.net/terranova-res.htm
http://www.giles-lea.giles.k12.tn.us/bms/it/TCAP.htm
http://www.clevelandschools.org/training/tcap.htm