Preparing for the provincial grade 9 math test
This is the second year for the provincial grade 9 math test. This fact sheet provides information about the test and what it means for students and parents.
What is the purpose of the test and what does it measure?
The purpose of the test is to measure, in a broad way, students' knowledge and skills in math, when they are required to work independently to complete challenging tasks from all parts of the math curriculum. The test is also designed to contribute to student learning.
When will the test take place and who will write it?
All grade 9 students in Ontario who are enrolled in academic or applied math programs will take the test. Students enrolled in math in first semester take the test in January. Second semester students take the test in June, as do students in non-semestered schools.
What is involved in the test? What are students required to do?
The test has several components. Each component assesses different aspects of the curriculum and different sets of skill and knowledge.
- Multiple choice: Students will solve 24 questions during a 30-minute period. These questions provide students with a chance to demonstrate their understanding without having to show their work.
- Short answer: Students will solve 10 items during a 30-minute period. These items require students to think mathematically, but require minimal written response.
- Tasks: Students will solve a total of six tasks--three tasks in 40 minutes in each of two consecutive math classes. Each task is a collection of related questions based on one or two strands from the curriculum.
- Additional component: Students will complete an additional 30-minute component.
Who is conducting the test?
The Education Quality Accountability Office is an independent arm's length organization set up by the Ontario government. EQAO is responsible for all of aspects of the test--designing, developing, administering and marking the test, reporting the results and making recommendations for school and system improvement. Staff at the school organize the test, prepare students and provide necessary support before and after the test.
How long is the test?
Check with your school for the dates and times of the test.
How will students and parents find out their results?
EQAO will report the results of the test next fall, probably November or December, for both the tests written in January and in June. Students who write the test will receive their marked test booklets, showing how they scored on each part of the test, as well as their overall score. Students and parents will receive the individual student results as soon as they are returned to the school by EQAO.
Will the results be published?
When EQAO releases the results next fall, our school will report the overall school results to all parents and students. The Peel board will report its results, along with school results to the public. EQAO will also publish provincial, board and school results. All Peel results will be posted on the board web site at www.peelschools.org.
What has been done to get ready for the test?
The test is based on the provincial math curriculum. In addition, all schools use a variety of strategies to help students prepare for the test. These strategies include giving students practice tests to write and providing remedial help to students who need to improve math skills.
What can students do to prepare for the test?
Throughout the semester, students have been preparing for this test by learning the grade 9 math curriculum. Math teachers have been preparing students for the test. To get ready for the test:
- review the preparation sheets your teacher has given you, such as the key words and phrases, the formula sheet and the glossary of mathematics terms
- review practice tests your teacher has given you and practice doing other math questions
- review your notes and textbooks from your math class
- a couple days before the test, do a practice test, giving yourself a time limit and completing the test without referring to your textbook or notes
- make sure you get enough rest on the nights of the testing--limit your extra activities on those evenings
- talk to your math teacher about other ways you can prepare
What can parents do to help their teen prepare for the test?
To help students prepare for the test, parents and guardians can:
- become more familiar with the skills required in the grade 9 math curriculum
- review the sample test questions developed by EQAO. These materials are available in the school and can also be found EQAO's web site at www.eqao.com.
- encourage your teen to discuss the test with teachers at school and to identify strengths and weaknesses in his or her math skills
- make sure your teen gets enough rest on the nights of the testing--try to limit extra activities on those evenings
- make sure your teen attends school on the days of the test
How can I learn more?
- For more information about the grade 9 math test, speak with your teen's math teacher or visit the EQAO web site at www.eqao.com.
- For information about Peel board results on the 2001 grade 9 math test, visit the board's web site at www.peelschools.org and look for the "EQAO Test Results" icon on the home page.
2002-03
