Math Pretest

Arithmetic is to mathematics as spelling is to writing!

You will take a Pretest the beginning of the school year with a focus on on the 5th Grade math concepts (5th Grade Math Pretest - adapted from a Los Angeles Unified School District test) to identify topics you already know and topics you haven't learned yet. Click on the 6th Grade Math and 7th Grade Math Links to see the math concepts you should have mastered before starting 8th Grade.

By the end of 5th Grade you have a solid math foundation if you mastered the following math concepts:

• 1. Number Sense and Operations. Arithmetic and place value.

  2. Algebra. Recognizing patterns and sets (for example, picking a big red apple) lays the groundwork to understand unknowns and variables.

  3. Geometry. Building on knowledge of basic shapes increases your ability to reason spatially, read maps, form a mental image of objects in space, and to eventually use geometry to solve problems.

  4. Measurement. Measuring and comparing is essential to understand concepts such as length, weight, temperature, capacity, time and money. Common Core wraps most of these problems under Geometry so I will do so also except where it makes sense to put under measurement.

  5. Data Analysis and Probability. Using charts, tables and graphs lays the groundwork for you to share and organize information.

When you enter middle school you are expected to know arithmetic. Arithmetic includes addition, subtraction with regrouping, multiplication, division, place value, order of operations, how to compare numbers, know how to use both positive and negative numbers, fractions and rounding. You are expected to learn and pass these math concept areas (ideally by December) before the school year ends. You will do this on your own time.

You can get help in two ways. First, you will find different web sites (listed below) to help you learn these math concepts. Second, I will help you after school (or we can make other arrangements if you have work or family commitments that prevent you from staying after school) if you are having difficulty understanding a specific math concept

Any student that has an C- Grade or lower in the 1st Quarter must begin working on arithmetic you do not understand. All math sections include online feedback which instantly tell you how you are doing. Do not move on to another section until you have completed at least 10 problems with a score of 90%. After you have completed all the pretest sections let me know and I will give you a different 5th Grade pretest (in Google Classroom) to retake again.

Computer aided math work is linked to homework, videos and vice versa in the form of abbreviations. To do computer aided work, homework or videos for any section just click on the abbreviated link within each of the 7 Magnificent Steps

Explanation of abbreviations:

CA means computer aided math concepts. No CA's on this page because this page is devoted to computer aided math concepts.

V means video explaining the mechanics to solve specific computer aided math concepts

HW means homework worksheets.

There are seven magnificent steps you can follow to ensure you are ready for middle school math. If you do understand the math concepts in these seven steps and complete them math will become easier for you. Many students tell me they have gained the strength of 700 mathematicians simply by completing these steps! If you do not understand the math in these seven steps and do nothing middle school math will be very difficult for you. And because math is sequential in nature you will have difficulty passing math classes in high school unless you learn these math concepts.

Step 1. Addition and Place Value

Step 2. Subtraction,

Step 3. Multiplication and Division

Step 4. Fractions

Step 5. Comparing numbers, Rounding and Positive and Negative Numbers

Step 6. Order of Operations and Algebra

Step 7. Geometry, Measurement and Data

Now that you have completed the Magnificent 7 Steps you should have the strength of 700 mathematicians. Use your strength to retake the 5th Grade Math Pretest. Do not start this test until you are ready to complete it in one sitting because once you start the test you cannot retake it.

Some of you need more support before working on the pretest and for some of you the pretest is too easy. You will work on math concept at levels adapted for you by clicking this Prodigy link. Enter the code AADA46. You must take a placement test before the math is adapted for you.