Understanding the GED Mathematics Test

1
Steven Klein
August 2224, 2006 Washington, DC
2
Overview

• GED Test Structure
• GED Candidate Performance
• Review of GED Testing Service (GEDTS) Study of
  Math Exam

3
GED Test Structure

• Consists of Five Subject Area Tests
• Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Writing
• Math Exam has Two Equally Weighted Parts
• Part 1 Use of Casio fx-260 calculator
• Part 2 Calculations by hand
• Math Test Format
• 25 questions and 45 minutes per section
• Scored on range of 200 to 800
• 80 percent of questions multiple choice
• 20 percent of questions alternative format
  (e.g., graphing)

4
GED Test Structure (Continued)

• Math Content Areas
• Number Sense and Operations
• Measurement and Geometry
• Data Statistics and Probability
• Algebra, Functions, and Patterns
• Three Question Types
• Procedural
• Conceptual
• Application

5
GED Candidate Performance

• U.S. Candidate Profile 2004
• Average Age 24.7 years
• Gender 55.1 male 44.9 female
• Ethnicity
• 55.3 White
• 18.1 Hispanic Origin
• 21.5 African American
• 2.7 American Indian or Alaska Native
• 1.7 Asian
• 0.6 Pacific Islander/Hawaiian
• Average Grade Completed 10.0

6
GED Candidate Performance(Continued)
Passage requires an average score of at least
450 across all five tests with no score below 410.
7
GEDTS Study Review Methodology

• Analysis of 2003 Math Test Results
• Review of three test forms
• Used top 40 of most frequently missed items
• Identified themes among missed items
• Compared GED Candidates Failing to Achieve Math
  Passing Score in 2003
• Candidates scoring near the cut score
• Candidates scoring within 1?2 SEMs (Standard
  Error of Measure) below the cut score

8
GEDTS Study Review Findings

• Both Candidate Groups
• Had equal difficulty on Parts I and II
• Miss similar types of questions
• Make similar types of errors
• Common Themes Identified
• Geometry and Measurement
• Applying Basic Math Principles to Calculation
• Reading and Interpreting Graphs and Tables

9
GEDTS Study ReviewIdentified Skill Gaps

• Geometry and Measurement
• Selecting the correct procedure to solve a
  problem
• Constructing mathematical formulas to represent
  geometric figures
• Modifying knowledge to solve complex problems

10
GEDTS Study ReviewIdentified Skill Gaps

• Applying Basic Math Principles to Calculation
• Performing arithmetic computations
• Estimating results
• Falling victim to distracters

11
GEDTS Study ReviewIdentified Skill Gaps

• Reading and Interpreting Graphs and Tables
• Extracting information presented in tabular or
  graphic form
• Comparing graphical figures representing
  different conditions

12
GEDTS Study ReviewRecommendations

• Adjust curriculum to emphasize identified
  thematic areas
• Present alternative ways to approach a problem to
  tap more of the abilities that candidates possess
• Review thematic areas prior to test