Overview, Latest Updates, Texas Specific Testing Trends

GED Math Testing Tips

Presenters:Denise Johnson

LaShondia McNeal, Ed.D.

Objectives:

Describe the structure and four major content areas of the GED math test.

Introduce/Review the Casio fx-260solar Calculator Introduce/Review GED Testing Tips Provide the latest information about upcoming

changes to the GED Math Component

Overview:

Measures problem-solving, analytical, and reasoning skills

Determines candidates ability to interpret information from both word problems and graphic formats

Present problems in a real-life context

Overview (Cont.):

Total number of questions examined: 48Total from Part I (calculator): 24Total from Part II (no calculator): 24

The Casio fx-260 is approved for use during part 1Provided at the official GED Testing Center

Answers are recorded on Standard or Coordinate Grids

GED Math Content AreasNumber Operations and

Number Sense20-30 %

Measurement and Geometry

20-30%

Data Analysis, Statistic, and Probability

20-30%

Algebra, Function, and Patterns

20-30%

Alternative Format Questions:80% of the mathematics questions are multiple choice20% requires candidates to construct an answer

Standard Grid info SheetCoordinate Plane Grid

GED Testing Tips

Let’s Play Football

CALCULATOR

The CASIO fx-260SOLAR

The CASIO fx-260SOLAR On-Line Demonstration

Comparing Difficult Questions for the Texas Near/Below Candidates

Form 1:

Form 2:

Form 3:

Same

Same

Same

D

Diff

Different

From the total of 60 questions (3 forms, 20 questions per form), 48 were the same for both groups, and 12 were different.

Inferences:

•The questions that the Texas Near and Below candidates find difficult are very much the same (80%).

•Based on these findings, the most beneficial strategy for candidates as a whole would be to develop techniques for increased performance in targeted areas.

•The examples created for today are modeled on the questions analyzed.

Reaching success may seem as difficult as scaling a mountain, but it’s really more similar to taking a short hike.

To enable a near candidate to become successful, increase the number correct by only 1 or 2 questions.

To enable a below candidate to become successful, increase the number correct by only 3 to 5 questions.

Perception -vs- Reality

Computer World wants to average 25,000 computer sales per month for the first three months of the year. Computer sales for January and February are shown in the following graph.

20

40

60

Tho

usan

ds

Jan Feb

To reach their goal, how many computers must Computer World sell in March?

(1)15,000

(2)25,000

(3)30,000

(4)35,000

(5)60,000

Computer World wants to average 25,000 computer sales per month for the first three months of the year. Computer sales for January and February are shown in the following graph.

20

40

60

Tho

usan

ds

Jan Feb

To reach their goal, how many computers must Computer World sell in March?

(1)15,000

(2)25,000

(3)30,000

(4)35,000

(5)60,000

KEY

Actual work shown by a student:

40,000 – 25,000 = 15,000

Project Amount

A $20,720,000

B $17,600,000

C $12,480,000

D $ 5,650,000

E $ 550,000

Which project’s budget was closest to 10% of the total budget?

Project Amount

A $20,720,000

B $17,600,000

C $12,480,000

D $ 5,650,000

E $ 550,000

Which project’s budget was closest to 10% of the total budget?

$57,000,000 10% = $5,700,000

Visualizing a Reasonable Answer When Calculating with Fractions

Of all the items produced at a manufacturing plant on Tuesday, 5/6 passed inspection. If 360 items passed inspection on Tuesday, how many were PRODUCED that day?

Which of the following diagrams correctly represents the relationship between items produced and those that passed inspection?

produced producedpassed passed

A B

Of all the items produced at a manufacturing plant on Tuesday, 5/6 passed inspection. If 360 items passed inspection on Tuesday, how many were PRODUCED that day?

(1) 300

(2) 432

(3) 492

(4) 504

(5) 3000

The items produced must be greater than the number passing inspection. Here are the alternatives for this question.

Which incorrect alternative do you think was selected most often?

300, which is impossible!

A marketing company surveyed 800 people and asked whether they had made internet purchases. Of those surveyed, 4/5 said that they had made at least one internet purchase.

How many of those surveyed had made at least one internet purchase?

(1) 160 (4) 480

(2) 320 (5) 640

(3) 400

A marketing company surveyed 800 people and asked whether they had made internet purchases. Of those surveyed, 4/5 said that they had made at least one internet purchase.

How many of those surveyed had made at least one internet purchase?

(1) 160 (4) 480

(2) 320 (5) 640 Key

(3) 400

These are impossible (and maybe even wrong).

The chances for a correct response have improved!

The total budget of $57,000,000 available for road improvements was allocated among five projects. One of the projects was awarded 3.25% of the total budget.

Which is the best approximation of the total budget that this project received?

(1) $2,000,000 (4) $16,000,000

(2) $5,000,000 (5) $20,000,000

(3) $6,000,000

The total budget of $57,000,000 available for road improvements was allocated among five projects. One of the projects was awarded 3.25% of the total budget.

Which is the best approximation of the total budget that this project received?

(1) $2,000,000 (4) $16,000,000

(2) $5,000,000 (5) $20,000,000

(3) $6,000,000$57,000,000 10% = $5,700,000 $57,000,000 1% = $570,000

1% < 3.25% < 10%

Jason shipped two packages. The heavier package weighed 40 pounds more than the lighter package, and together the two packages weighed 300 pounds. What was the weight, in pounds, of the lighter package?

(1) 130

(2) 150

(3) 170

(4) 210

(5) 260

Jason shipped two packages. The heavier package weighed 40 pounds more than the lighter package, and together the two packages weighed 300 pounds. What was the weight, in pounds, of the lighter package?

(1) 130

(2) 150

(3) 170

(4) 210

(5) 260

130 ( and 170) 150 ( and 150) 170 ( and 130) 210 (and 90) 260 (and 40)

Total Weight: 300 lb

lighter

In none of these is the “lighter” package lighter!

History of the GED Tests

•To date, there have been four generations of GED Tests: •The original GED Tests released in 1942, the 1978 series, the 1988 series, and the current series released in 2002. • The academic content areas priorities and proficiency have evolved.

A Time for Change

2014 Series: to be released on January 1, 2014.

It’s A WrapEvaluations

Presenters:

Denise Johnson,

LaShondia McNeal, Ed.D.