Math MCAS Begins Tomorrow!!!

Students will be taking the math MCAS on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the History MCAS on Thursday and Friday. They are extremely well prepared and have been informed that instruction will continue this week despite the testing. The only change in routine may be an interrupted homework schedule. There IS a home nugget due tomorrow!

The following is an excerpt from notes provided to students today regarding MCAS testing:

Practical:
YOU MUST BRING A BOOK TO READ. Should you finish before the scheduled time is over, you will not interfere with anyone else’s testing.
Bring a drink/snacks to keep you energized
Good idea to bring your own #2 pencil

Strategy:
No calculator may be used on Session I, however a calculator MAY be used on Session II and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Never skip a question or leave a short answer/open-response question blank
When writing solutions be organized, legible and neat
Avoid the misconception that you should avoid written work on multiple-choice questions! These are not questions to guess at!
If you find yourself spending too much time on a problem, leave it and return to it at your leisure.

Motivation:
This 7th grade MCAS is an indicator for your future MCAS success – you must pass in order to get a diploma
May allow you to qualify for financial awards and academic tracks that are exclusive
The MCAS is a test of problem-solving ability, which is a sought-after commodity in today’s economy
The MCAS is a way to define your intellectual ability and to assign yourself a positive label
Of the four categories that students are grouped into: failing, needs improvement, proficient, and advanced, you are striving for ADVANCED and NOTHING LESS!

Home Nugget # 8
Assigned on Monday May 14, 2007
Due on Tuesday May 15, 2007

Fuel Economy Box and Whisker Plot Sheet Questions 1 and 2
From Say it With Symbols Pages 60 and 61 #12 - 16

FCAs
1 point: all problems completed
3 points: quality of work and effort dispels any myths about loosening end of school year standards