From the Archives- 1995

by Mark Nechanicky, Region 1 MCTM director

I am still processing the idea of hand grading 19,000 test booklets!

“State Mathematics Assessment

This past spring the State Assessment Mathematics tests were given to students at fifth, eighth, and eleventh grade throughout the state. About 19,000 students took the test which included two types of items: multiple choice items and open-ended items which allow students to give their own responses. The open-ended items were not machine-readable items and were scored this summer by a group of mathematics teachers who worked very hard scoring the 19,000 booklets. Many MCTM members worked either on preparing test items, scoring the tests, or both.

Among the students’ responses some excellent performances were identified by the scoring teachers. These students not only answered correctly but demonstrated that they have a clear understanding of mathematics concepts, used higher level thinking skills, used various problem solving strategies, and communicated mathematics well. Their responses reflected performance aligned with the National Standards. Zhining Qin of the Minnesota State Department of Education has shared some of these excellent response booklets.”