Process Strand 6: Solves Problems and Reasons Logically - Item Specification (8-2005)

SR05 (Construct Solutions and Verify Results) Use a variety of strategies and appropriate concepts and procedures from number sense, measurement, geometric sense, probability and statistics, and algebraic sense to construct a solution; justify results using evidence; check for reasonableness of results; validate thinking and mathematical ideas using models, known facts, patterns, relationships, and/or counterexamples (2.2.2, 2.2.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3)

Item Format:

· Short-Answer and Extended-Response items may be used to assess this learning target.

Stimulus, Stem, and Prompt Rules:

· Stimulus may include tables, charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, 2- and 3-dimensional figures, statistics, data, and other mathematical information.
· Negative integers may be used in items dealing with temperature or money.
· Items will require construction of a solution AND reasoning/reflection about the solution.
· Problem situations may have multiple viable solutions.
· Problems may present real-world situations that could be encountered by seventh graders.
· Stimulus may include ideas and information from number sense, measurement, geometric sense, probability and statistics, and algebraic sense.

Mathematical Vocabulary and Terms:

· All vocabulary and terms allowed and restricted in content strand specifications apply to Solves Problems and Reasons Logically items.
· Terms that may be used: justify, solution, strategy, support
· Terms that may be used with definitions or examples: validate
· Terms that may not be used: make an organized list, make a graph or other specific names of any problem-solving strategies, verify, viable

Item Characteristics:

a) Items may ask students to use various concepts, procedures, and problem-solving strategies to construct a solution for a given situation AND then explain why the solution is appropriate and/or make a comparison using evidence and information from the problem situation, known facts, patterns, relationships, and counter-examples.
b) Items may ask students to use various concepts, procedures, and problem-solving strategies to construct a solution for a given situation AND then to check for reasonableness of results.