What's the structure of the IAAT in FCPS? Is it timed subtests on the computer? Can the test taker skip questions and go back? Is it a adaptive?

TIA

Kid needs to be quick. That's it.

maybe focus on graphs, solving basic equations.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any recommendations for IAAT prep books?

I never really found one that was any good. My daughter went to a friend's house a few time to "study" for the Iowa and they were using google to figure out topics and find sample questions. I found a prep book for her and the most useful part of it was to practice the timed aspect and get her used to the idea of "if you can't figure it out quickly, move on and come back to it." The book questions were too advanced based on the sample questions I saw come home from her classroom and she told me none of that stuff was on the test. So I'd just stick to what they're doing in class and if you want to practice timing, google sample problems and make your own 15 question worksheet and time them at 10 minutes so they get a feel for how to manage the clock.

FWIW, she eeked out a pass advanced on her math SOL and got 96%ile for her IOWA and is doing fine so far in Algebra. But as a parent with a math background, I knew she would because she has good number sense and understands math with minimal effort. My bigger concern is for how challenging the work will get after Algebra 2. But she *really* wanted to take Algebra is a 7th grader so I let her make the final decision after we made a pro/con list and gathered feedback from teachers/counselors.

Khan Academy

Does anyone have any recommendations for IAAT prep books?

IMO, if you think your kid belongs in Algebra the next year, and your kid wants the option of taking Algebra, then you should buy a prep book and practice. Meeting the 91st percentile threshold means that your kid may have the option of taking Algebra in 7th. Failing to meet the threshold means that your kid either won't have the option or will have to jump through some hoops.

If you ultimately feel that your kid isn't ready, or if you talk to the 6th grade AAP teacher, and they think your kid would benefit from M7H, you don't have to enroll in algebra. If your kid tries Algebra and is overwhelmed, you can always choose to drop down or repeat Algebra.

The time portion of it seems to be the issue for a lot of kids.

And you can take Algebra 1 H without meeting the testing requirements it is just highly recommended not to. We had friends who did this.

My kids schools spent some time reviewing/prepping for the test. Why? Not so much for the content, but to get a feel for the format of the test and to learn some time management. If I remember correctly, there are multiple sections and each section has 15 questions that need to be done into 10 minutes. Many kids have never taken this kind of test and have no idea how quickly 10 minutes go by.

I have a 9th grader who is in Alg 2 this year and a current 6th grader in AAP.

In 6th grade - my 9th grader got a 99% on the IAAT and pass advanced on the SOL that year with no prep whatsoever but still - but still, taking algebra in 7th grade / geometry in 8th, alg 2 in 9th is no joke. If your kid has to prep for the IAAT in 6th grade - IMO they should not take algebra 2 in 7th.

Anonymous wrote:If you cram for the test, you are in for a world of hurt from 6 years of math above your ability level.

I’m not planning to have DC cram for the test, I just didn’t know if they should be reviewing any materials. Math has always been easy for them and they outperform the many classmates in our school who are regularly taking outside coursework. We have never prepped them for anything that others in our school typically do, i just wanted to know if they should be doing anything for this. It sounds like no.

No, the IAAT isn't a test that many people prep for, or that is preppable. You could buy a prep book but it's basically just what they're doing already.

If you cram for the test, you are in for a world of hurt from 6 years of math above your ability level.

You will get varied responses to this. Yes, some people do review and prep and others believe this test is a measure to see if they are Algebra ready in 7th grade and you shouldn't mess with the process.

We personally did not do any outside work or review because we had no interest in Algebra in 7th grade.

I don't believe they are preparing for this test in the classrooms.

I admittedly know very little about the IAAT except that my 6th grader in AAP will take it this year and the score will determine placement next year. When is the exam? Are they reviewing in class? Should I buy a prep book? (I will ask these questions at conferences as well).

For background, DC is consistently scoring top of their class in math with no additional outside coursework. They have natural ability in this area and I don’t want to screw up by missing an opportunity to review beforehand because I didn’t know better.

Thanks for any info.