Re: Getting ready for the math  NSRE
I've never used the practice tests (no money available to buy them!) but here
are a few things I do to help our kids:
    1.  I think it is important for students to take the math exam in a math
classroom. That sounds kinda obvious, I'm sure, but I know it doesn't happen
that way everywhere. I think kids are accustomed to doing math in a certain
environment and probably take the test more seriously if in their usual
place. Sometimes it's harder to schedule the tests this way, but I think it's
worth the effort.
    2. Teachers need to really read the directions. I've spoken with teachers
who were unaware of some of the rules about calculators and use of other
resources during the test.
    3.  I tell my kids that because this test is requiring a significant
amount of their math class time for a week, I will be giving them a quiz
grade based on the amount of effort I observe them putting into the test.  I
expect them to be working the entire testing period. This practice has elimina
ted blank test books anyway, so I assume it has helped scores.

I have been using Connected Math this year for the first time so I am hoping
to see some major improvements in problem solving.

Nancy Pejouhy