**IAAT Results- post here (2020)

[Anonymous]

Hi, it is hard to answer that without knowing what grade your child is in, what “track” or programs or math level your child is in as well as how your school or district uses the scores.

In AAP, which is an advanced program in Fairfax VA, one of the main uses of this test and reason for threads about scores is that our district uses it to determine which children may take algebra when. So if a child in this program had your daughter’s score it would not be enough to take algebra in 7th grade. It may also be an expected score for a 6th grader who is not on an advanced math “track” and not looking to take algebra in 7th grade anyway. Or may indicate gaps in math fluency for a child who is and otherwise would have been.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello I realize this is an old thread BUT my kid took the IAAT this yr and scored 68%. She goes to HMS in NJ. I don't understand the percentile rank... what it actually means in terms of her placement for next yr math. Should I be worried ... how can I help her improve... does she need my help in improving her math... my help meaning outside classes. Can someone here provide more information?

Just a super confused mom reaching out for help.

As the previous poster mentioned, it's really difficult to provide any advice, without context. IF this is what applies to your child (https://www.htps.us/curriculum___instruction/content_areas/math/placement_decisions_for_mathematics), then it looks like IAAT is part of the matrix for making decisions regarding math placements for rising 7th graders. I would not expect that 68th percentile is good enough for advanced math work regardless of grades in the class, and in your shoes, I would ask for a full score report, so that you can determine if your child needs additional supports.

[Anonymous]

A few more things. Did your child know about the test and the format ahead of time? Are they used to/comfortable with taking timed tests? Have you talked to them about the test itself, and how they found it?

It is entirely possible that your child is fine, and has no gaps in learning. Lots of kids are not used to taking timed tests, and the additional time pressure can really screw them up. Some end up not being able to finish the questions in time, because they're not aware they have to work at a fairly quick pace, for instance.

[Anonymous]

99th,except I'm the child

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello I realize this is an old thread BUT my kid took the IAAT this yr and scored 68%. She goes to HMS in NJ. I don't understand the percentile rank... what it actually means in terms of her placement for next yr math. Should I be worried ... how can I help her improve... does she need my help in improving her math... my help meaning outside classes. Can someone here provide more information?

Just a super confused mom reaching out for help.

What grade? If is in 6th grade going to 7th, it means they weren't ready to take algebra in 7th grade and nothing to worry about. Algebra is typically a 9th grade class, and the test was to find students who are more advanced and can take it earlier.

[Anonymous]

There are four parts to IAAT. Does Fairfax require a minimum score on each section?

[Anonymous]

99th

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:99th

Did you just get your results, or is this from last year (or a previous year)?

[Anonymous]

72 percentile. 2023.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have to prep then you don’t yet have the aptitude for Algebra.

Not true. The kid can be taught some prealgebra topics that would raise a 70 to an 90 for example.
Is it necessary for the kid to sit through a year of prealgebra because they were short on a few concepts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have to prep then you don’t yet have the aptitude for Algebra.

Not true. The kid can be taught some prealgebra topics that would raise a 70 to an 90 for example.
Is it necessary for the kid to sit through a year of prealgebra because they were short on a few concepts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Is the test meant to be taken without prepping? I mean, it's testing knowledge, not ability, so shouldn't the kids be taught the material that they're going to be tested on? I can't imagine sending DD into a timed test with no preparation. Once she finds out that she has 40 seconds or whatever per question at the test, it would be over.

This is one of the sources of inequity, though. FCPS tells people not to prep at all. Some demographics follow their directions and send their kids in blind to the test. Others range from doing a sample test through full blown prep classes. Knowing the format of the test is a huge advantage, especially considering how strictly timed the test is. Most kids who go in blindly would have no chance at all of meeting the IAAT benchmark, since they would run out of time before finishing enough problems.

The best and most equitable way for FCPS to approach this is to have every 6th grade AAP or advanced math class run through one practice test in class. Then, everyone would at least be familiar with the format and time constraints.

I don’t think most kids who go in with no prep have “no chance at all of meeting the benchmark.” My kid went in blind with no prep whatsoever and got a 99. Honestly it never occurred to me to prep or look on YouTube or find sample tests to practice with. My kid isn’t even a “math kid” and is much stronger in language arts but said the test wasn’t hard. I think people make it out to be much more difficult than it is, or when their kid doesn’t do as well as they hoped, they claim everyone else was prepped.

[Anonymous]

How did everyone get their notifications? We haven't gotten ours yet.

[Anonymous]

I got a 99, didn't get into TJ, won't be going to Ivy Leagues, and a stupid school program wasted the year I saved doing Algebra in 7th grade. It doesn't matter whatsoever and any prep is just wasting money in my opinion

[Anonymous]

99 percentile rank