Ready, Set, Go! Georgia CRCT Grade 8, Mathematics

by Reiss, Stephen A.

• ISBN13: 9780738606842
• ISBN10: 0738606847
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-03-18
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Concerned About Your Child Passing the Georgia CRCT Grade 8 Math Exam? Then You Need REA's New Test Prep with CD-ROM! If you're concerned about your child passing the Georgia CRCT Grade 8 math exam, don't worry. REA's new TestWare® edition of our popular Georgia CRCT (Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests) Grade 8 Mathematics test prep helps students sharpen their skills and succeed on this high-stakes exam! Fully aligned with the learning standards of the Georgia Department of Education's Quality Core Curriculum, our test prep provides up-to-date instruction and practice grade 8 students need to improve their math abilities. The comprehensive review features student-friendly, easy-to-follow lessons and examples that reinforce the key concepts tested on the Georgia CRCT math exam, including: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Probability, and Word Problem applications. Ideal for classroom, group, or individual study, our tutorials and targeted drills increase comprehension while enhancing math skills. Color icons and graphics throughout the book highlight practice problems, charts, and figures. REA's test-taking tips and strategies give students an added boost of confidence so they can succeed on the exam. The book contains three diagnostic tests that are perfect for classroom quizzes or homework, plus a full-length practice exam that allows students to test their knowledge and reinforce what they've learned. Our interactive TestWare CD features the book's tests with automatic scoring, diagnostic feedback, and onscreen detailed explanations of answers, allowing students to focus on areas in need of further study. Whether used in a classroom, for group study, or individual review, this book is a must for any Georgia student preparing for the CRCT math exam! For 50 years, REA has been helping students study smarter and excel on important exams. REA's test preps for state-required exams are teacher-recommended and written by experts who have mastered the test.

Excerpts

SUCCEEDING ON THE CRCT GRADE 8 MATHEMATICS    

ABOUT THIS BOOK AND TestWare®   

This book and the accompanying TestWare® provide excellent preparation for the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT)––Grade 8 Mathematics. Inside you will find exercises designed to provide students with the instruction, practice, and strategies needed to do well on this achievement test.     

 

This book is divided into several sections:  

 

• The first section contains eight chapters, each of which is specifically designed to match an objective, as stated by the Georgia Department of Education. Each chapter consists of illustrative examples and an in-depth review of all test topics. The material is fully aligned with the domains and standards created by the Georgia Department of Education.     

 

• The second section contains two practice tests. Each practice test consists of 70 questions with detailed explanations. Each question is identified by the domain and standard that it measures.   

 

• The third section contains a student score sheet that identifies the topic associated with each question of both practice tests. This score sheet can be used to help identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses.     

 

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK AND TestWare®     

FOR STUDENTS: You’ll find that our practice tests are very much like the actual CRCT you’ll encounter on test day. The best way to prepare for a test is to practice, so we’ve included drills with answers throughout the book, and our two practice tests include detailed answers. Taking the practice tests on your computer will help you with the timing on the CRCT test.  

 

FOR PARENTS: Georgia has created grade-appropriate performance standards and core curriculum requirements that are listed in the table in this introduction. Students need to meet these objectives as measured by the CRCT. Our book will help your child review for the CRCT and prepare for the Mathematics exam. It includes review sections, drills, and two practice tests complete with explanations to help your child focus on the areas he/she needs to work on to help master the test.   

FOR TEACHERS: No doubt, you are already familiar with the CRCT and its format. Begin by assigning students the diagnostic tests. An answer key and detailed explanations follow the diagnostic tests. Then work through each of the lessons in succession. When students have completed the subject review, they should move on to the practice tests. Answers and answer explanations follow the practice tests.     

 

WHY STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE  THE CRCT    
CRCT measures the extent to which students are meeting the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). Georgia teachers and curriculum experts developed the CRCT in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Education. The Mathematics test is given to students in grades 1 through 8.

 

WHAT’S ON THE CRCT
The mathematics test in Grade 8 is given in two 70-minute sessions, with a 10-minute break between sessions. Each session consists of 35 questions for a total of 70 questions. All questions on the CRCT are multiple-choice. Multiple-choice questions are based on the Georgia Performance Standards, which are listed on the following pages. The approximate number of questions per domain is as follows.   
Domain 1: Numbers and Operations 15
Domain 2: Geometry 9
Domain 3: Algebra 35
Domain 4: Date Analysis and Probability 11
Total number of questions: 70

 

In addition, a topic entitled Mathematical Process Skills is integrated across all four domains. Each Mathematical Process Skills question can be identified with one of the basic four domains. This type of question refers to students’ ability to apply content knowledge to problem solving. This ability also applies to: 
a. reasoning and evaluating mathematical arguments
b. making connections among mathematical ideas
c. representing mathematical ideas in multiple ways

 

TIPS FOR THE STUDENT   
Students can do plenty of things before and during the actual test to improve their performance. The good thing is that most of the tips described in the following pages are easy!  

 

Preparing for the Test    
Test Anxiety    
Do you get nervous when your teacher talks about taking a test? A certain amount of anxiety is normal and it actually may help you prepare better for the test by getting you motivated. But too much anxiety is a bad thing and may keep you from properly preparing for the test. Here are some things to consider that may help relieve test anxiety:     

 

• Share how you are feeling with your parents and your teachers. They may have ways of helping you deal with how you are feeling.    

   

• Keep on top of your game. Are you behind in your homework and class assignments? A lot of your classwork-related anxiety and stress will simply go away if you keep up with your homework assignments and classwork. And then you can focus on the test with a clearer mind.  

 

• Relax. Take a deep breath or two. You should do this especially if you get anxious while taking the test. 

 

Study Tips & Taking the Test      

• Learn the Test’s Format. Don’t be surprised. By taking a practice test ahead of time you’ll know what the test looks like, how much time you will have, how many questions there are, and what kinds of questions are going to appear on it. Knowing ahead of time is much better than being surprised.  

 

• Read the Entire Question. Pay attention to what kind of answer a question or word Problem is looking for. Reread the question if it does not make sense to you, and try to note the parts of the question needed for figuring out the right answer.  

 

• Read All the Answers. On a multiple-choice test, the right answer could also be the last answer. You won’t know unless you read all the possible answers to a question.  

 

• It’s Not a Guessing Game. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t make an uneducated guess. And don’t randomly pick just any answer either. As you read over each possible answer to a question, note any answers which are obviously wrong. Each obviously wrong answer you identify and eliminate greatly improves your chances at selecting the right answer.  

 

• Don’t Get Stuck on Questions. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Doing this takes away time from the other questions. Work on the easier questions first. Skip the really hard questions and come back to them if there is still enough time.  

 

• Accuracy Counts. Make sure you record your answer in the correct space on your answer sheet. Fixing mistakes only takes time away from you. Finished Early? Use this time wisely and double-check your answers.  

Sound Advice for Test Day       

The Morning of the Test. Have a good breakfast. Dress in comfortable clothes. Keep in mind that you don’t want to be too hot or too cold while taking the test. Get to school on time. Give yourself time to gather your thoughts and calm down before the test begins.       

 

Three Steps for Taking the Test      
1) Read. Read the entire question and then read all the possible answers.    
2) Answer. Answer the easier questions first and then go back to the more difficult questions.   
3) Double-Check. Go back and check your work if time permits.    

 

Tips for Parents    

• Encourage your child to take responsibility for homework and class assignments. Help your child create a study schedule. Mark the test’s date on a family calendar as a reminder for both of you. 

 

• Talk to your child’s teachers. Ask them for progress reports on an ongoing basis.   

 

• Commend your child’s study and test successes. Praise your child for successfully following a study schedule, for doing homework, and for work done well.

 

• Test Anxiety. Your child may experience nervousness or anxiety about the test. You may even be anxious, too. Here are some helpful tips on dealing with a child’s test anxiety:     

 

• Talk about the test openly and positively with your child. An ongoing dialogue not only can relieve your child’s anxieties but also serves as a progress report of how your child feels about the test.   

 

• Form realistic expectations of your child’s testing abilities.    

 

• Be a “Test Cheerleader.” Your encouragement to do his or her best on the test can alleviate your child’s test anxiety.