Monday, 31 March 2014

Language and Math Tests Returned, update on Science Tests for Gr 7 and 8

A careless error was committed and the science tests for both the 7s and 8s are being remarked. Apologies for the delay. It shall not happen again.

The Point of View & Inferring Test class average was 79%.

The Unit 4 Integer Test has two marks: a raw average of 76% and an overall average of 73%.  The raw score is a sum of all the marks in each section (35 KU, 5 C, 5 T) expressed as a percentage, while the average noted on each test is an average of the marks in each of the three categories. Student's highest score between those two marks will be used for reporting purposes. This is not a regular practice as this test featured more KU type questions, where the T, C, and A focus of Integers is more exposed in Unit 5: Algebra.

On the use of averages. The primary setback with averages, while it gives a snap shot of a class/grade profile, is that it does not reflect any trends (upwards and/or downwards) in the specific students' progress. To have an average, there must be students/people above and below; it is reasonable to predict an undesired consequence in the 7A math program where students to feel "subpar" based on their own mark against the average. This particular test, as well as the test to come on Unit 7: Probability, featured both raw and average scores based on the sections, as the distribution of marks and the development of different types of questions was less equitable across the four categories. Since students should aim to have consistency in all 4 sections, one could argue that students will a lower difference between the raw and average scores are balancing their success across all 4 areas, whereas students who are excelling in one area should focus more on the others. As a general next step, students should begin to realize that KU, T, C, and A questions are equally important and an indication of various levels of thinking.

After today's general take up of the test, students are invited to email their teacher to book a 1-on-1 or up to 4-on-1 focus session to dig deeper into their own progress.


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