HSPA Mathematics -- The Best Test Prep for the New Jersey HSPA (Test Preps)

 
REA … Real review, Real practice, Real results.
 
REA's New Jersey HSPA Mathematics Study Guide!
Fully aligned with the benchmarks of the NJ State Board of Education
 
Are you prepared to excel on this state high-stakes assessment exam? 
* Passing the exam is required to graduate high school
* Find out what you know and what you should know
* Use REA's advice and tips to ready yourself for proper study and practice
 
Sharpen your knowledge and skills
* The book's full subject review refreshes knowledge and covers all topics on the official exam, including all four content clusters and their respective macros
* Smart and friendly lessons reinforce necessary skills
* Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test
* Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study
* Color icons and graphics highlight important concepts and tasks
 
Practice for real
* Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with two full-length practice tests
* Chart your progress with detailed explanations of each answer
* Boost confidence with test-taking strategies and focused drills
 
Ideal for Classroom, Family, or Solo Test Preparation!
 
REA has helped generations of students study smart and excel on the important tests. REA’s study guides for state-required exams are teacher-recommended and written by experts who have mastered the test.
 
 

PASSING the
NEW JERSEY
HSPA IN MATHEMATICS

About this book
This book will provide you with an accurate and complete representation of the New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) in Mathematics. Inside you will find reviews that are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do well on this section of the HSPA. We also provide two full-length practice tests, both of which are based on the official HSPA. REA's practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the HSPA. Following each model test, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you completely understand the test material. (NOTE TO EDUCATORS: Also included are over 200 class and homework problems that can be assigned to students. Answers to these questions can be found in the Teacher's Guide, which is available from REA.)

About the Test

Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The HSPA is mandatory for New Jersey high school juniors. It gauges students' knowledge and skills in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. One section of the test is devoted to mathematics, the other to language arts. (Other subjects, including science and social studies, are tentatively scheduled for later testing under the HSPA umbrella).
All New Jersey high school students are required to pass the entire test in order to graduate. Students who do not pass a section are given an opportunity to retake the test in the fall or spring of the 12th grade.
Who administers the test?
The HSPA was developed and is administered by the New Jersey State Department of Education and involves the assistance of educators throughout the state. The test development process is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.

When and where is the test given?
The HSPA is administered in March and October. It is given at all public high schools. The testing lasts for three days, and may be taken on alternate days if a conflict--such as a religious obligation--exists.
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the HSPA, consult the Grade 11 High School Proficiency Assessment Parent Information Bulletin. The bulletin can be obtained from your guidance counselor or by contacting:
New Jersey State Department of Education
CN 500
Trenton, NJ 08265
Phone: (609) 292-4469
Website: www.state.nj.us/education

Is there a registration fee?
No. Because all New Jersey high school students are required to take this test, no fee is imposed.

How to Use this Book

What do I study first?
Read over the reviews and the suggestions for test-taking. Studying the reviews thoroughly will reinforce the basic skills you will need to do well on the test. Be sure to take the practice tests to become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual HSPA.
To best utilize your study time, follow our HSPA Independent Study Schedule located in the front of this book. Brushing up on the areas you did well on wouldn't hurt either.
When should I start studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the HSPA. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the exam content.
Format of the HSPA mathematics
Section Time Allotted Percent of Test







Most of the questions on the HSPA are in multiple-choice format with four options. There is one exception: the Open-Ended Questions, which call for a written short answer. Answer choices will not be presented in the Open-Ended Questions. There are two open-ended questions for each of the test's three sections. A brief break will be given after each section.
Mathematics Content Clusters
In the mathematics sections, you will encounter questions on the following "clusters" of knowledge:
* Number Sense, Concepts, and Applications--These questions deal with the following topics: our numeration system (and its application in real-world situations); and ratios, percents, and proportions.
* Spacial Sense and Geometry--These questions deal with the following topics: identifying geometric properties, relationships, and patterns in real-world and/or problem-solving situations; using coordinate geometry and principles of congruence, similarity, and transformations; and direct and indirect measurement.
* Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics--These questions deal with the following topics: probabilities of simple and compound events; statistical distributions; organization and representation of data; discrete mathematics; and iterative and recursive processes.
* Patterns, Functions, and Algebra--These questions test the student's capability in the following topics: patterns and inductive reasoning; various types of functions; and algebraic concepts and processes.
Calculator Use
Calculators will be permitted and, in fact, will be provided during the test. You may use a programmable or non-programmable four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. No pocket organizers, hand-held minicomputers, paper tape, or noisy calculators may be used. In addition, calculators requiring an external power source will not be permitted. You will not be allowed to share a calculator.

About the Review Sections
The reviews in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the HSPA, as well as to provide strategies for attacking each type of question. You will also find exercises to reinforce what you have learned. By using the reviews in conjunction with the practice tests, you will put yourself in a position to master the HSPA.

Mathematics Review
The Mathematics Section Review covers the basics of what you need to know to pass the Mathematics Section of the HSPA. You will find strategies for the Mathematics Section, a review of each cluster and its individual "macros," and exercises to strengthen your abilities in these areas.
Your scores will be reported as being in one of three proficiency levels--Advanced Proficient, Proficient, or Partially Proficient. Subtotal scores will also be reported for the specific knowledge and skills measured in each content area. The following information can be used in determining whether you have passed the practice tests provided in this book.
For each section there is a possible number of points that a student can receive. Each multiple-choice question equals 1 point and each open-ended question is worth from 0 to 3 points. To determine points received, the student must add all correct responses for the multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
When determining open-ended points for the Mathematics sections, the number of points received is established by an evaluator. The score can range from 0 to 3. Each evaluator is specially trained for this type of test response. It is advised that a teacher review and score all open-ended questions.
Once each section is graded, the total number of points received should be added together. This is your raw score.
Total Scaled Score
Your scores will be scaled to account for differences in various test administrations and forms; the scaled Mathematics score will be within a range of 100 to 300 points, with 200 being the minimum passing ("proficient") score. Since it is not possible to replicate the scaling formula for the HSPA, use the following standards to score your practice tests.
· A passing (Proficient) score for the Mathematics test is a raw score of 22.5.
How do I score my practice test?

Use the scoring worksheet below to score each of our two practice tests. While the score you earn on our practice tests approximates the score you will receive on the HSPA, it should not be construed as a precise predictor of your actual test performance.
SCORING WORKSHEET
Part I
_____________ + ______________ = __________
points received points received raw score
multiple-choice open-ended

Part II
_____________ + ______________ = __________
points received points received raw score
multiple-choice open-ended


Part III
_____________ + ______________ = __________
points received points received raw score
multiple-choice open-ended

Part IV
_____________ + ______________ = __________
points received points received raw score
multiple-choice open-ended

Test-Taking tips
Although you may not be familiar with standardized tests such as the HSPA, there are many ways to acquaint yourself with this type of examination and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Listed below are ways to help you become accustomed to the HSPA, some of which may be applied to other standardized tests as well.
Become comfortable with the format of the HSPA. When you are practicing, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only a couple of times, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual HSPA with much more confidence.
Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read through each choice to be sure that you are not making a mistake by jumping to conclusions.
Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choi...