While math teachers are eagerly awaiting the upcoming posting of a test sampler for the new Geometry Regents exam that will debut this June, a NYSUT survey of last year's inaugural Integrated Algebra exam showed the sampler might not be the best preparation tool.

A NYSUT survey of 404 teachers who taught Integrated Algebra during the first year of the new Regents exam found that 55 percent said the algebra test sampler did not reflect the rigor of the actual exam administered in June.

While the sampler is meant to let teachers know what the exam will look like, the State Education Department has advised that it shouldn't be the sole guide.

To be better prepared, educators should also refer to the SED's math toolkit, in which "sample tasks" are listed by grade level with detailed performance indicators - specific items a student should know.

Long list

The toolkit also includes a glossary of mathematical language to which students should be exposed.

For geometry, generally a grade 10 class, the six-page list of suggested mathematical language stretches from "AA triangle similarity" to "z-axis."

In addition, it is recommended that teachers consult the test specifications that detail the exam make-up by content and the number of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. This would help teachers know which areas to emphasize. (On the geometry exam, proofs will make up 41 percent to 47 percent of total credits, while constructions will be worth 3 percent to 7 percent.)

To help math teachers get the information they need, NYSUT has posted a link to both the test specifications and the "sample tasks" page at http://www.nysut.org/, under pre-K-12.

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira said the results of the union's survey in July have been shared with SED staff along with recommendations concerning the first administration of the Geometry Regents in June 2009.

The state is considering administering the geometry exam earlier to allow the necessary time for scoring, standard-setting and the post-equating process the first time a test is given.

Survey findings

Sixty-six percent of the Integrated Algebra teachers surveyed by NYSUT said the June 26 posting of the conversion chart was "not at all timely." The conversion chart establishes cut-off points so teachers can convert raw scores into final exam scores.

In other survey findings:

• More than one-third said some questions on the exam were not sufficiently covered in the core curriculum.
• Two-thirds responded that student scores did not accurately measure student performance.
• While respondents were evenly split (49 percent) on the question of whether this was an appropriate required course for high school graduation, many expressed concern at the low raw score students needed to pass the exam.
• Almost half said the difficulty level of the exam was too high.

This is the second year of the state's new math sequence. The old course exam, Math A, will be given for the last time in January to students still on the old math track.

The new math sequence was approved by the Regents in 2005, after widespread criticism of the Math A/B curriculum.

- Sylvia Saunders