Math test for Common Core, 5.4

The Common Core math tests can be a source of anxiety for students because there is pressure to pass them and it is a very unusual test compared with tests they often take. Unlike tests students often take, the Common Core tests are typically done on a computer and the type of test questions often require multiple steps and a deeper understanding of math.

This app has 30 questions that are modeled on actual Common Core test questions that have been published by State Departments of Education. But it does more than just get students used to taking a test on a computer: it aims to fill in skill gaps and teach them how to answer similar questions on the real test.

After the student answers a question, s/he is given immediate feedback as to what the correct answer is and is then given access to read a 1 to 4 page detailed, colorful explanation that assumes minimum prior knowledge of the key concepts. Please see the above screen shots for examples of some explanation pages.

Each question is tracked as being correct, incorrect or unanswered by changing the button’s color so the student may ensure s/he completes the test and can review difficult questions again. If the educator wishes, the student’s results can be printed showing her/his name, date, time, the test version, the concept for each question and whether the student answered it correctly, incorrectly or did not answer it. Such a report may be helpful when generating an individualized lesson plan, and to monitor progress if subsequent test versions are used.

This is #4 of 9 practice tests for fifth grade Common Core math. Each of the 9 tests has a separate app (this is because they are large apps due to the detailed explanations). You can distinguish these based on the icon, this one's icon shows a “5.4” in the calculator's display which means it's for the 5th grade and is the 4th test in the series of 9.

Each question across all tests for a given grade are aligned. For example, if a student has had problems with question numbers 6, 8, 15 and 23 on any of the fifth grade math tests, then s/he could be asked to repeat only those numbers on a different test version in order to demonstrate proficiency of those concepts. For each of the 9 tests for this grade, we have taken screen shots of different questions so that if you look at the entries for all of these apps you can get a very good idea of what questions are asked and a partial look at the answers (some answers are long because we try to explain every step).

When the app is turned off, all the answers are reset to unanswered. That way, the test may be administered to different students or even to the same student(s) after a prolonged break.

We understand that math takes a lot of concentration and it may be hard for students to build up stamina to take the Common Core math tests. Taking these computer-based practice tests may help them develop stamina, and feel better prepared for the actual test. If the adult authorizes, the student may turn on an option to get a quick break in the form of fun photos from nature (please see above) if a questions explanation is short. This may help keep the student’s focus on the computer instead of getting distracted and may also encourage the student to check the explanations for all questions just to see if there is a fun photo there, and hopefully read the full explanations too. Likewise, we understand that everyone needs encouragement so after each correct answer the student gets lots of smiling emojis and, if the adult permits, at the end of the test a celebration screen with animated balloons and music.

The app does not connect to any websites so it can be used off-line. There are no in-app purchases, subscriptions or 3rd party advertisements. The app is fully functional and never expires. The app does not collect or send us any info and when turned off it does not save any data.

This is one of many products we've made that we hope will make learning fun.