George Scott Reports Offers Math Screening Test FREE

George Scott Reports is now offering parents whose children are currently taking math in the fifth grade through Algebra I in Katy I.S.D. a free math screening test for their student in order to give them independent data they can use to evaluate their child’s math skills.

Because the test will involve a group administration, advanced registration will be required for test dates that will be announced in the near future.  There will be additional requirements that will be explained later in this story and upon registration.  The number of students tested in this initial project involving free administration will be limited to the first 200 who register as individuals or as part of an organizational sponsor.

“The most efficient way for George Scott Reports to offer this free service is for organizations such as churches, civic groups or similar groups who cater to students or parents with children to serve as facilitators,” George Scott said.

There are two important parts to explaining this offer, Scott said.  The first is to describe the test.  The second is to announce the process by which this test will be offered in this project.

The math screening test is based upon a simple premise.  What do students need to know to succeed in genuine, grade-level instruction in Algebra I?  From that starting point, the test was developed, in essence, by reverse engineering back to the 5th grade.

“Math is a cumulative subject.  Skills mastered in the fifth grade are essential to mastering sixth grade skills.  That process of mastery continues as students progress. This process leads to having the requisite skills to master genuine Algebra I,” Scott said.

There is abundance of empirical evidence to conclude that many students are advanced in chronological grade order without having achieved sufficient mastery of the skills they need to fully succeed at the next grade level.

“There is no claim whatsoever that the test developed by George Scott Reports is nationally normed or exactly correlated to the State of Texas’ TAKS test,” Scott said.  ”It is our simple position that math is math. We are not trying to fit square pegs in round holes.”

“However, we know that data strongly documents that thousands of students are enrolled in Algebra I with deficient skills in basic math,” Scott said.  ”The fact that a student may bring home a report card that shows a high or even passing Algebra I grade does not substantively document what positive math skills or negative gaps in knowledge that student has.”

“Our objective is very basic.  The primary skills that a student needs to successfully master Algebra I at a level of rigorous grade-level instruction are our focus,” Scott said. He notes the test is not based upon a multiple choice format.

The test questions were actually written by an individual who has an undergraduate degree in math.  The test author has master’s degree in math from one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.  Moreover, the test author is currently completing a doctorate degree in statistics at a prestigious university in the United States.

It is important to note that the actual test instrument was reviewed by a psychometrician with some 40 years of experience in public and university education.  That individual has served as director of testing for two of the major school districts in Texas.  He has also served on numerous technical panels for the Texas Education Agency.

Moreover, the actual test instrument was reviewed by a certified Texas math teacher who reviewed and evaluated each individual question in terms of when the skill on the question was actually introduced in the formal curriculum in the State of Texas known as TEKS.

“The end result is that we have developed a math screening test that parents can use as one tool of many to help evaluate what their children do and do know,” Scott said. “Because we had the test reviewed by a psychometrician with decades of experience in Texas and a Texas certified classroom teacher, we believe this can be an especially valuable tool to parents.”

The initial administration of this test will be given in group settings. Parents can register their children for the screening test individually even if they are not part of an organizational sponsor.  However, all tests in this initial project will be delivered in a group setting.

Tests will be proctored.  Confidentiality of results will ensured.

Here are two ways to express your interest in having your children take this screening test:

The first is for individual parents to contact george@georgescottreports.com.  Provide the age and current grade of enrollment of your child or children as well as a phone number where you can be contacted personally.

The second is for leaders of organizations such as churches or Scout troops to contact us at george@georgescottreports.com to express your interest in co-sponsoring this project for your organization.

As stated before, this offer is limited to the first 200 students that are registered.  There will be no charge for the administration under this special offer.

No student will be given the test without the signed authorization of parents or legal guardians provided prior to test administration.  Strict standards of confidentiality will be enforced on all test results.

Complete written details will be provided to those parents who express an interest in having their children tested.  This published notice is for general informational purposes.

The precise details of George Scott Reports’ decision to administer a test to any individual student will be subject to formal written authorization approved by the parents and/or legal guardians of any student tested.

 

 

 

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