Algebra End-of-Course
Assessment
December 13 & 14, 2012 - Retakes
May 2013 – First time takers/Retakes
Tests knowledge gained in Algebra 1 class
Required for graduation
What is the Algebra ECA?
Algebra I ECA is given at the completion of Algebra I
• First time takers – May
• Retakes – December and/or May
When Will the Test Be Given?
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 Does the Exam Look Like?
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 Tested?
The Algebra 1 ECA has four different items types for
presenting problems.
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.)
What is the Format of the Test?
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.
What Types of Questions Are Asked?
•
Sample Multiple Choice
•
Sample Graphing
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
Sample Constructed Response
The scaled score range for the Algebra 1 ECA is
300-900
Pass Score
564-664
Pass + Score
665+
What is Needed 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
How Many Questions Do I Need to Get
Right to Pass?
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
What is SN Doing to Prepare Students
for the ECA?
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:
Acuity Testing
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 My Child Do To Prepare?
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
What Can I Do To Prepare My Child?
• 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
Resources
• http://www.hammond.k12.in.us/MortonHS/MHS%20We
bsite%20Homepage/11_12_9%2013%20ECA%20Inform
ational%20Session_final.pdf