3
Introduction
Jonathon has $15.00 to spend on notebooks, folders, and markers. The total cost of the notebooks and folders is $10.80. The cost of each marker is $0.70. Graph the solution set of the inequality that could be used to determine m, the number of markers Jonathon could choose to purchase. −6
−5
−4
−3
−2
−1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Select a solution set indicator. Drag the points on the indicator to the appropriate locations on the number line.
Figure I.2: Grade 7 mathematics item. Which tool would work best to separate iron filings from sand? c A. a scale c B. a refrigerator magnet c C. a thermometer c D. a magnifying glass
Figure I.3: Grade 5 science item.
and the actual intent of those who designed the items. We believe it is not only useful but also necessary to provide K–12 students with an understanding of some of these nuances and idiosyncrasies so they have a fair chance at interpreting what the test requires of them when confronted with such items. Along with effective content instruction, such familiarization with the features of test items constitutes what testing experts regard as ethical test preparation. By removing artificial impediments to demonstrating their knowledge and skills, such preparation makes the test fairer for students while also increasing the test’s effectiveness as a measurement tool. To provide educators with a systematic means of teaching students to navigate features of test items while simultaneously deepening their content knowledge, we undertook a study of state and national tests in ELA, mathematics, and science that involved over eight thousand items.
