A Problem with MCAP Math Tests Is

[Anonymous]

They give it in May when there are 6 weeks left in the quarter, and cover the material from the final units

[Anonymous]

Yep. Kid took geo yesterday and today, and there were a few questions on material that wasn't yet covered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yep. Kid took geo yesterday and today, and there were a few questions on material that wasn't yet covered.

At least all those kids in geo are in the same boat so it has to even out and might even matter if it were used for anything.

[Anonymous]

... everything

[Anonymous]

It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

I thought the MCAP had no effect on grades. Why would anyone prep for it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

Actually class pacing guides are weighted to what is covered most heavily on exams. And teachers are given instruction to understand class/grades standards so they can ensure that the greater majority of material is covered prior to exams. Lastly MCAP is a state exam. If folks want more material to be covered before the testing window the solution would be to change the calendar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

I thought the MCAP had no effect on grades. Why would anyone prep for it?

It's a broken test with meaningless values. Nobody would prep for it. The state mayhave some ambitions but so far they can't even get valid scores so I wouldn'thold my breath.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

Actually class pacing guides are weighted to what is covered most heavily on exams. And teachers are given instruction to understand class/grades standards so they can ensure that the greater majority of material is covered prior to exams. Lastly MCAP is a state exam. If folks want more material to be covered before the testing window the solution would be to change the calendar.

What happens for the month after MCAP? Preview of next year standards material? Parties?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

I thought the MCAP had no effect on grades. Why would anyone prep for it?

No one here said anyone is prepping for the test. But the scores are biased to people who make the schools look good as a side effect of doing their own study outside of school.

[Anonymous]

Isn't this the same issue that the AP classes face each year?

[Anonymous]

The MCAP scores in Maryland are significantly behind the Virginia SOL scores for schools in counties like Fairfax. All states have standardized tests that are administered yearly. The question is: What's going on in Maryland??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It weights towards kids that have tutors, though. If 90 percent of the kids only learn what is taught in class but 10% are wealthier and have tutors who know what is on the test, those 10% are bound to have 6 weeks learning advantage on the test.

Actually class pacing guides are weighted to what is covered most heavily on exams. And teachers are given instruction to understand class/grades standards so they can ensure that the greater majority of material is covered prior to exams. Lastly MCAP is a state exam. If folks want more material to be covered before the testing window the solution would be to change the calendar.

What happens for the month after MCAP? Preview of next year standards material? Parties?

Yep, heard you are planning parties for the classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The MCAP scores in Maryland are significantly behind the Virginia SOL scores for schools in counties like Fairfax. All states have standardized tests that are administered yearly. The question is: What's going on in Maryland??

They aren’t the same tests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't this the same issue that the AP classes face each year?

No, the AP teachers generally complete the AP curriculum for the year with a week or two before the test to review.