AIR Testing Information for Mathematics Columbus City Schools Last update: October 18, 2016
Ohio has entered into a contract with American Institutes for Research (AIR) for Mathematics to provide state testing. In this document you will find information to help prepare for the tests. The information was obtained from the ODE website along with district-level policies.
Where can I find AIR information online?
The Ohio Department of Education website has the latest information on its website. http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing
Links to information and documents from ODE can also be accessed from the CCS math webpage. http://www.ccsoh.org Click on Departments, Mathematics, AIR Test information
A direct link to this webpage is: http://www.ccsoh.us/MathAIR.aspx
How much time do the tests take to complete?
Refer to the table below:
Grade level Total testing time Grade 3 – 5 150 minutes (2.5 hours) Grade 6 – 8 180 minutes (3 hours) HS Math I/II 180 minutes (3 hours)
Schools can administer the tests in two equal parts. For example, a 180-minute test can be administered as two 90-minute sessions.
When will test results be available?
Districts and schools will receive spring test results by June 15 for grade 3 English Language Arts and by June 30 for all other tests.
Are the tests going to be taken using a computer or paper/pencil?
All tests will be taken online this year.
Is there a way to prepare for online testing?
ODE has prepared an online practice document that will talk you through the login process, selecting a sample test, how to input answers, how to move from question to question, etc. The document can be downloaded on the CCS math webpage.
I found sample questions on the websites for other states. Can I use those to help prepare for Ohio’s tests?
States (such as Florida) have their own sample tests. The questions themselves can be helpful, as could using the different techniques needed to answer the questions. Just remember that individual state policies may differ from Ohio’s policies (such as calculator usage). Florida’s answer document may differ from Ohio’s answer document. Be careful to follow the information on ODE’s website (and on the CCS math website) when you encounter differences.
Columbus City Schools – AIR testing information Are calculators allowed on the tests?
Grades 3-5: No calculators are permitted. Grades 6, 7, and 8: Scientific calculators are permitted (such as the TI-30SXII “OGT” calculator). Integrated Mathematics I and II: Students will use graphing calculators (such as the TI-83/84).
For grades 6 and 7, one part of the test will allow calculators while a second part of the test will not. For grade 8, all items will allow the use of a calculator. Calculator memory must be cleared between tests.
For students taking the test online, a calculator will be provided as needed during the test. To practice using the online calculators, access the link on the CCS math webpage.
Online calculator for grade 6-8 Online calculator for Math I/II
What are Blueprints, and where can I find them?
Blueprints show the content that will be tested in each subject. They can be found on the CCS math webpage. Green shading identifies critical areas that should be addressed at each grade level.
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What are “Critical Areas of Focus”?
Ohio’s Learning Standards include critical areas for instruction in the introduction for each grade, K-8. The critical areas are designed to bring focus to the standards at each grade by describing the big ideas that educators can use to build their curriculum and to guide instruction. The grade-level introductions include at least two and no more than four critical areas for each grade.
Example: Grade 3
Critical Area of Focus #1: Developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100.
Critical Area of Focus #2: Developing understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions by whole numbers.
Critical Area of Focus #3: Developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and areas.
Critical Area of Focus #4: Describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes.
A complete document explaining critical areas of focus can be downloaded at the CCS math webpage.
Where can I find sample test questions?
Test questions were designed to show students how to use different online techniques such as drag-and- drop, filling in multiple parts of a table, etc. There are also paper/pencil versions of test questions available on the CCS math webpage. Teachers should show students all tests from their level (elementary, middle) to
Columbus City Schools – AIR testing information familiarize them with the different online questioning techniques. The best way to prepare for an AIR test is to learn the class content. Below is a sample question from grade 5:
Notice that on this type of problem, students are asked to place a check in the box next to a correct answer. In this type of problem, there can be more than one correct answer. Square boxes imply more than one answer. Circular boxes imply a “choose one” type of question.
Middle school sample test questions
Below are the techniques used in each of the sample test questions.
Technique/strategy Grade level 6 7 8 Interactive number lines X X Equation editor X X X Multiple choice with one answer (round buttons) X X X Plotting points and making lines X X Typing in a numerical answer X X X Moving items from one part of the screen to another X X Multi-select boxes X X Multi-select items – in a table X X Fill in a table of values X Using the Arrow tool in graphing X
Notice that number lines are not demonstrated on the grade 8 sample test. This does not mean that number lines will not appear on the grade 8 test; students should work with the number line tool on the grade 6/7 tests to learn how to use it.
Will students have access to formulas during the tests?
For online tests, students can click the Formula button to view the formula sheet online.
Do AIR tests take the place of high school final exams?
Students will have separate final exams in credit-bearing courses at the high school level. AIR results are not expected back in time to use as grades on the report card.
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