CAPT measures standards in four areas reading

CAPT – measures standards in four areas: reading writing mathematics science

What’s in it for me? By meeting goal in all four areas you will n be guaranteed a parking spot and receive a $50 gift certificate for parking; or n Receive $50 towards pay to play

What does the test measure?

Math » Open Ended Grid In n Number and quantity 2 6 n Geometry and Measurement 2 6 n Statistics and Probability 2 6 n Algebra and Functions 2 6

Math Scoring n Grid in – one point each n Open ended are worth 3 points each n If you get at least 2 points for each of the open-ended questions you will only need to answer 10 of the grid in questions.

Sample Math n During a 10 day period, the daily high temperatures in Danbury were: 43°F, 45°F, 55° F, 51°F, 55 °F, 49 °F, 42 °F, 53 °F, 51 °F, 55 °F Find the measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) for the set of temps. If the temp on the 11 th day was 82 °F, which measure of central tendency would change the most?

Sample student work You can get a score of 2 and be wrong! 1. The median would change the most it would then become 52. 8 °F. I did this by adding my original temperature plus the new temperature of 82 °F and dividing them by the number of my original temp and the new temp which is 11 temp and I got 58. 18 divided by 11 = 52. 8 Note: This student confused median for mean and still acquired 2 points. Remember: You must ask yourself – Can the person (who does not know me) follow my thinking in mathematical language?

Science n Life Science – ecosystems, cells, genetics and evolution and human biology n Physical Science – structure of matter, reactions and interactions, forces and motion; energy sources and transformations; n Earth/space science – astronomy; Earth’s natural resources; meteorology, and Earth history and dynamics

What To Look For in a Science Lab The problem should be clearly stated. To determine which fruit juice, white grape, apple or pineapple, contains the most vitamin C. n The independent and dependent variables must be identified. The independent variable is the concentration of vitamin c and the dependent variable is the number of drops of juice. n

What to Look for in a Science Lab n Variables are controlled. The experiment uses a control group (water) n Data is recorded and graphed. n Conclusion is well written and includes numerical support from the data and a thorough discussion of validity (what might have gone wrong? )

Reading Across the Disciplines n Reading for Information n Response to Literature 50%

Tips for Reading for Information Read the questions first. Rewrite the questions in your words in the margin of the story/article. Establish a purpose for reading. Answer the open ended questions – using evidence from the story Try the tripod approach- State your opinion and then support it with two examples and one quote from the story.

Response to Literature Tips: 1. Attempt to grasp the main idea 2. Make a connection to your own life – (elaborate tell a story) 3. Ask yourself – What does this story say about life? 4. Support your opinions –(ELABORATE!) use specific details from the story, use a quote from a character in the story

Writing Across the Disciplines n Interdisciplinary Writing #1 35% n Interdisciplinary Writing#2 35% n Editing and Revising 30%

Editing and Revising test focuses on editing, composing, and revising skills. n The test requires students to read four passages of sample student writing and answer 24 multiple choice questions to correct common error in organization, word choice, syntax, capitalization, punctuation, usage and spelling. n

Interdisciplinary Writing Students read three short articles about an important issue, , take a position on the issue and write a draft of a persuasive letter. n Interdisciplinary writing assignment is scored holistically with a six point scale. n Each student is scored by two independent readers and given a combined score from 212. n

Writing Tips Use all 3 sources Use as much data as you can (Use quotes from the story, cite examples) Be aware of your audience (Call them to action) Use effective transition words (try not to use my first reason…)

Preparing for the Test Get proper rest – At least 8 hours of sleep Read your notes right before bed. All of the hardwiring in the brain is done while you sleep! n Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch n Foods high in protein improve concentration, Drink lots of water – Your brain cells can’t work when they are dehydrated. n

Preparing for the Test Visualization Before you go to bed each night, picture yourself taking the test and succeeding. You can visualize your way to passing the capt! n Proper attire Decide ahead of time what you will wear. Wear something that makes you feel great! n

Daily Schedule M T W TH Math 1 Science 1 Writing 1 Editing & Revising Reading* 1& 2 Writing 2 Math 2 Science 2 IW 3 * Response to Literature and Reading for Information F

CAPT Activity Research indicates that physical activity increases mental acuity, alleviates stress, and can improve student achievement. Memory, reasoning, attention and problem-solving all improve with exercise/movement. Exercise elevates cognitive performance by increasing oxygen to the brain. Each one of the physical education teachers will lead an activity. Students have had an opportunity to choose from the following activities: basketball, walking, stretching, and silly games. The activity will begin thirty minutes prior to the test.

Good Luck, Sophomores! You can do it!