Welcome to the SSI Algebra 1 HSA Parent/Student Workshop

1. Welcome to the SSI Algebra 1 HSAParent/Student Workshop Your Hosts: Mr. Adam Ritchie, Algebra Teacher Ms. Kristen Roberts, Algebra Lead Teacher Mrs. Sheila Rosenthal, Academic Intervention Teacher Mrs. Melissa Sigley, Math Content Specialist Silver Spring International MS Math Department

2. Workshop Agenda: • Welcome and Introductions – Mrs. Sigley • HSA Graduation Information • HSA Scoring Information • 2010 Algebra 1 HSA Test Administration – Ms. Roberts • Absences • Materials • Algebra 1 Core Learning Goals – Mrs. Rosenthal • Test Taking Tips – Mr. Ritchie • HSA Sample Items – Selected Response and Student Response • HSA to Final Exam – Mrs. Sigley • After School Study Sessions – Ms. Roberts • Calculator Preparation Sessions – Mr. Ritchie • Student Study Resources – Mrs. Sigley • Questions – group • Computer Lab Practice – Ms. Roberts and Mr. Ritchie Silver Spring International MS Math Department

3. High School Assessment (HSA)Graduation Information The HSAs are given in four content areas: Algebra 1, English 10, Government, and Biology. Your child will take each test as he/she completes the related course. Scores for each individual test range from 240 to 650. (http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsa/pdf/2429-08%20HSA%20Grad.Req-ENG.pdf) To graduate with a Maryland High School Diploma, students must meet all State course, service – learning, and testing (High School Assessment) requirements as well as all local school system graduation requirements. (MSDE Top 10 Things Parents Need to Know about the HSAs) Silver Spring International MS Math Department

4. High School Assessment (HSA) Passing Scores • Students can meet the testing requirement for graduation by: • Passing all four HSA tests (Algebra 1, Biology, Government and English 10) • OR • Earning a combined score of 1602 on the four HSA tests Students may take the HSA’s as many times as needed to pass them. (http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsa/pdf/2429-08%20HSA%20Grad.Req-ENG.pdf) Silver Spring International MS Math Department

5. 2010 Algebra 1 HSA Test Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Time: 8:00 am until 11:30 am • The Mod-HSA is an alternative test for students with an IEP who meet specific participation criteria. • The Selected Response (SR) items have either THREE answer choices (about 3/4 of the test items on each form) or FOUR answer choices (about 1/4 of the test items on each form). • Special educations students will receive their IEP accommodations during the test administration. • http://mdk12.org/assessments/high_school/index_d2.html The test consists of three 50 minute sessions of selected response questions (multiple choice) and response grid questions with two 10 minute breaks. Silver Spring International MS Math Department

6. What if I am absent for the HSA? Make-Up Testing Dates: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 OR Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Students will miss morning classes for make up testing. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/testing/TestingSchedule_MS_2009-2010.shtm Silver Spring International MS Math Department

7. HSA Materials Students need to bring: 2 pencils and a graphing calculator • Materials not permitted in the testing location: • Reading materials • Cell phones • PDAs • I PODS • Other electronic communication devices Silver Spring International MS Math Department

8. HSA Algebra 1 Indicators Tested Core Learning Goals for Algebra/Data Analysis http://mdk12.org/assessments/clg/algebra_data_analysis.html Silver Spring International MS Math Department

9. HSA Test Taking TipsSelected Response • Read the question before you look at the answers. • Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the choices. This way choices given on the test won’t throw you off or trick you. • Substitute operation signs over words in the problem to help see the process (ex: “of” = x, “total” = +, “difference” = - , etc.) • Identify the number of steps involved to solve the problem. Does it require “order of operations”? • Estimate an appropriate solution before solving. • Look for patterns in the answer choices. • You may see a reasonably close answer to test as one of the choices. • Look for compatible numbers (ex: can the percents and/or fractions be compared to ½ ? Are they smaller or larger than ½ ? Etc.) • Eliminate answers you know AREN’T true. • Pay close attention to place value of decimals, positive & negative signs, etc. • Don’t keep changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one (unless you misread the question). • Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information. Silver Spring International MS Math Department

10. Response Grid Questions Silver Spring International MS Math Department

11. Algebra 1 HSA Sample Problems Algebra/Data Analysis Public Release 2008 Silver Spring International MS Math Department

12. Algebra 1 HSA MOD Sample Problem Silver Spring International MS Math Department

13. Algebra 1 HSA to Final Exam Silver Spring International MS Math Department

14. How are we helping the students prepare for the Algebra 1 HSA? • HSA Practice Test administered April 15 and 16 • Analysis of data by class and student • Weekly practice packets – classroom After School HSA Review Sessions will be held on the following days from 2:45 to 4:00pm in room 123. *All students are invited to attend each session.* Silver Spring International MS Math Department

15. Algebra 1 HSA Calculator Preparation Mr. Ritchie will also be hosting HSA after school review sessions that focus on using the graphing calculator from 2:45 to 4:00pm in room 129. Silver Spring International MS Math Department

16. Algebra 1 HSA Student Practice Resources The SSI Student Mathematics Webpage http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ssims/departments/mathematics/student.aspx Silver Spring International MS Math Department

17. Please complete the survey before leaving. Silver Spring International MS Math Department

18. Algebra 1 HSA Computer Lab Practice Silver Spring International MS Math Department