Tomball Algebra I Placement Exam (TAPE) Information

Placement exams are for students who show advanced academic performance in math. Students may be placed in Algebra I in their grade 7 school year. 

Algebra I Placement Exam

This placement exam is designed to determine a student’s readiness for success with Algebra I course work.  The test measures foundational mathematical skills that students need in order to be successful with Algebra I coursework.  The placement exam is designed to put students in the most appropriate math class based on their abilities at the current time.  Students can be given this exam at the end of their 6th grade year when they have shown advanced mathematical abilities in their current coursework. 

Consideration for Eligibility for students

• Students enrolled in 6th TAP math OR 

• Students enrolled in 6th level math with a teacher recommendation.

Criteria for Evaluating Placement Exam Score

In order to be eligible for Algebra in their next grade level, students must make a minimum of an 80% (40 out of 50 questions correct) on this placement exam. There is no appeal process since 80% is minimum proficiency required as set by the Credit By Exam process.   

Algebra I Placement Exam Procedures and Testing Dates

Test Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Campuses will be administering the Algebra I Placement Exam for students who wish to be placed into Algebra I. Campuses need to get approval from the eligible student’s parents prior to testing (Google Form link). Algebra I placement exams are administered by school staff on the eligible student’s home campuses. The placement exam should be given over a one day period so as to maintain the integrity of the placement exam. The administration time allotted for this exam is 3 hours and the administration should be done in a whole group with all eligible testers gathered together at one time. If the number of students does not permit one large group for testing, multiple groups can be arranged. 

The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions aligned to the grade 7 and grade 8 math readiness standards (full blueprint online here). Math practice questions can be found on the Texas Assessment website and released STAAR exams from previous years. Tests will be given in Eduphoria Aware, where students will be able to use the online Desmos Graphing Calculator (Texas/STAAR Edition) and the grade 7 and grade 8 STAAR mathematics reference materials. If a student chooses to bring a Texas Instruments handheld (non-CAS) calculator on the test date, the calculator will be cleared prior to the start of the test. The district will notify parents of the student's results via School Messenger.