Release of Spring 2018 Test Items
A partial release of
items from the spring 2018 Ohio State Mathematics Tests is now available in
the Ohio’s State
Test portal. These items give educators insight into the kinds
of questions students experienced, and they are a useful tool to inform
classroom instruction. Both teachers and parents may use this resource to help
students know what to expect.
Included with each
item in this release are the associated learning standard(s) and the scoring
rubrics. Examples of student responses also are available to illustrate actual
work and the corresponding points earned on the student examples.
Test Specifications Now Available
The Math Test
Specifications provide an overview of the structure and content of Ohio’s State
Test. This overview includes a description of the test design as well as
information on the types of items that will appear on the test. Also included
is a test blueprint, a document that identifies the range and distribution of
points grouped into various reporting categories (e.g., Fractions, Ratios and
Proportions, Functions, Probability). The specifications also provide specific
guidelines for the development of all items used for Ohio’s math tests.
These documents are a
resource not only for item writers and test designers, but also for Ohio
educators and other stakeholders who are interested in a deeper understanding
of the test.
Updated Test Blueprints
The
test blueprints for the Ohio's State Mathematics Tests have been updated to
reflect the 2017 Ohio Learning Standards for Mathematics. Test blueprints serve
as a guide for test construction and provide an outline of the content and
skills to be measured on the test. They contain information about individual
tests, including the number of points on the test and show how the learning
standards are grouped in order to report the test results. All standards
identified on the blueprint are eligible to appear on a test form and should be
taught during instruction.
Updated Practice Tests
The half-length practice tests
have been updated to reflect the 2017 Ohio Learning Standards for Mathematics.
Updated half-length practice tests are available for each of the state tests.
Practice test items allow students to become familiar with the online test
environment by showcasing the different item types, features, and functionality
available to students during online testing.
Teachers can review
released test items to determine the level of mathematical reasoning needed for
success. This analysis can help teachers examine their local curriculum to see
if their instruction is providing students enough opportunities to take their
mathematical understanding to a deeper level.
* The reference sheets on the half-length practice tests are still in the process of being updated. An announcement will be made by the Department when the reference sheets have been updated.
Updated Practice Test Scoring Guides
The Practice Test Scoring Guides have been updated to reflect the 2017 Ohio Learning Standards for Mathematics. The Practice Test Scoring Guides provide answer keys and scoring guidance for each Ohio's State Mathematics Tests. They include the item type, the content standard and content statement assessed, an answer key, and the number of points associated with each item. They also include the guidelines for scoring (i.e., scoring rubrics), sample responses and notes on scoring and rationales that describe why response options are correct or incorrect.
Updated Performance Level Descriptors
The Performance Level
Descriptors (PLDs) have been updated to reflect the 2017 Ohio Learning
Standards for Mathematics. The PLDs are the link between Ohio’s Learning
Standards and performance standards. They were developed by Ohio educators and
other content experts to illustrate the typical demonstration of the learning
for each of the five performance levels: Limited, Basic, Proficient,
Accelerated and Advanced. Teachers can review the PLDs for each grade level or
subject to match each descriptive statement with its course standards. Teachers
can then review local curriculum materials to see if opportunities are being given
to students to demonstrate deeper conceptual understanding of course content at
the different performance levels.
Updated Reference Sheets
The reference sheets
have been updated to reflect the 2017 Ohio Learning Standards for
Mathematics. A reference sheet may be used on the Ohio State Mathematics
Tests by all students in grades four and above. For paper-based testers, the
math reference sheets will be included within the student test booklet. For
online testers, the math reference sheet is embedded within the platform. A
hard-copy may be provided to students during online testing but these need to
be printed at the local level. Once testing is finished, test administrators
must collect the math reference sheets and shred any that may contain student
writing.
Calculator Guidance
Calculator guidance
for the 2018-2019 will remain the same as previous school years. Students may
use the Desmos calculator embedded in the test platform during testing.
Districts may also choose to allow students to use handheld calculators in
addition to the Desmos calculator on the parts of the test that allow for
calculators. Students who qualify for a calculator as an accommodation will
continue to be allowed to use a calculator on the test. The Department
recommends that students be familiar with whichever (i.e. Desmos, handheld, or
both) calculator they use from their instruction prior to testing.
Guidance on Desmos:
Guidance on Handheld Calculators:
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