This is similar even at the elementary level. I don’t think people really understand that the MCAP Math test is almost just as much of a critical thinking/reading comprehension test as it is a math test. And not to say that these skills shouldn’t be nurtured. I just dont think people really understand that failing the Math MCAP doesnt necessarily mean the student doesnt have foundational math skills.

Heres a literal example from an MCAP practice book I have to teach next week: “Last month Columbus Circle Travel sold economy-class airline tickets from New York to Tokyo that cost 1296 each. The same class of ticket from NY to Sydney cost 2592 each. Columbus Circle travel earned 108864 in ticket sales. Select the combinations of tickets that could have been sold”. And then has 5 choices of “___ tickets to Tokyo and __ tickets to Sydney”.

I guarantee a good amount of my elementary students that can do the multiplication/division work will get stumped by “economy class tickets”, “class of ticket”, “Sydney” (thinking its a person), or will just not have the critical thinking skills to figure out what the question is really asking. This is just one example but my point is that the test isnt as simple as giving a multiplication problem and they solve it. The questions are purposely overly complex and deceptive. Again, not saying critical thinking like this shouldnt be taught, I just dont think people really understand what the test looks like and how hard it is for ALL students in Maryland, not just Baltimore kids