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Question and Answer Document, Grade 8 Mathematics - 2004
For help with questions not addressed below, call the Helpline (877) 516-2403, which is available weekdays May 7-19 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Schools that have difficulty accessing the 877 area code should fax questions to the Helpline fax number, (919) 425-7733.
** Please note clarifications
Q: Are there any corrections to the training materials?
**A: Yes. In 42e, the annotation should read as follows:
This response is partially correct. The translation is not labeled, but the coordinates listed correspond to the drawing made.
Please note that the score point remains the same.
Q: In Item 29, if the student did not connect the points but everything else is correct, is this still a score point 2?
A: Yes. Without connecting the points, the response is not complete and correct.
Q: In Item 29, if letters are used to label the coordinates, must the first letter in the sequential list correspond to the first ordered pair?
**A: Yes. The first letter in the sequential list must correspond to the first ordered pair. If a series of letters is used such as EFGH, then "E" must be clearly assigned to the first ordered pair given. If a word is used, for example MATH, then the first letter of the word must clearly be assigned to the first ordered pair.
Q: 29f – The answer line says "units" but "inches" is accepted. Shouldn’t the student cross out "units" and write "inches"?
A: No. It is clear in the work shown that inches were used to arrive at the given answer.
**Q: In Item 34, if for an explanation the student just writes PEMDAS, is this acceptable?
**A: No. This response would not receive full credit.
Q: 34f – Why is this explanation not considered sufficient?
A: This response was not clear enough to demonstrate thorough understanding. The first part is a true statement, but overall, the response does not explain why the results are not the same.
Q: 34h - If for an explanation the student had written PEMDAS instead of "order of operations," is this acceptable?
A: No. This response would receive a score point of 2.
Q: In Item 40, can we accept sine 30° with the correct work shown?
A: Yes.
Q: 40f - Is it acceptable that cosine is not identified, as such, in the work shown?
A: Holistically, this response demonstrates a thorough understanding since the cosine formula is given and used to find the answer.
Q: In Item 41, if the fraction is equivalent but not in its simplest form, e.g. 24/48 can we accept it?
A: Yes, as long as it is an equivalent fraction.
Q: In Item 41, what if the student answers with 50%?
A: No. The response must be a fraction. The question asks for the answer in the form of a fraction.
Q: In Item 42, is it acceptable that the labels A, B, C rather than A', B', C' are used?
A: That will be acceptable.
Q: In Item 42, if only labels are missing can the response receive full credit?
A: No.
Q: In Item 44, what are some of the other equations that are accepted?
A: p= 1/8 t, p= t/8, p× 8= t or any equivalent equation.
Q: Can you please explain the difference between 44d and 44e?
A: In 44e, although there were flaws, a process was clearly shown. However in 44d, it is not clear that a process was used.
Q: In Item 45, if the student uses trig instead of the Pythagorean theorem and solves the problem correctly, is this acceptable?
A: In general, unless a specific process is required, any mathematically correct process is acceptable.
Information related to the Grade 4 mathematics test is available on the Office of State Assessment website at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/.
Updates on New York State’s mathematics education are posted on the Office of Curriculum and Instruction's mathematics web site at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/math.html.
Teachers can comment on this year’s Grade 4 mathematics test by completing an evaluation form found at http://www.ctb.com. Click on the northern region of the U.S. map (blue section). Select New York. Locate and click on the link for the New York State Teacher Evaluation Form. Follow the directions on completing and submitting the form.
For additional information on the New York State Grade 4 and Grade 8 Assessment Programs, please contact Janice Mwapaga, Associate in Mathematics Education, Office of State Assessment, 760EBA, State Education Department, Albany, NY 12234; (518) 474-5900 or email jmwapaga@mail.nysed.gov