Passing the Mathematics Test for Elementary Teachers: Offering a Pathway to Success

by Margie Pearse, Diane Devanney, Darla Nagy

Overview

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m never going to pass the math pre-service exam!” This statement, and many others like it, led the authors to discover exactly how to crack the math pre-service exam test code and students are reaping all the benefits. How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for Teachers is the result of years of researching and experimenting with what it takes to not only pass the test, but come away from it a better test-taker and a stronger mathematician.
The authors offer tons of crystal-clear examples with detailed explanations, all supported by deep mathematical thinking. As an added bonus, there are three comprehensive practice tests carefully created to reflect the format of the test. This book will provide all that is needed to pass the math pre-service exam!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475810844
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/09/2015
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Margie Pearse has over 25 years of teaching experience with certifications in mathematics, elementary education, ESL, and Pennsylvania Quality Assurance Systems (PQAS); Margie is presently the PECT Resource Coordinator and Instructor at Neumann University, state-wide PQAS educational consultant, and lead author of Teaching Numeracy: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite Mathematical Thinking, released in 2011 and Learning That Never Ends, released by Rowman & Littlefield in 2013. Her desire to help all pre-service teachers successfully attain their teaching certificates led her to research what it takes to pass the Math PAPA.

Diane Devanneygraduated from Immaculata University, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, from West Chester University, PA with a Master of Arts in Mathematics, from Cabrini College, PA with a Master of Education and Widener Law School, Delaware with a Juris Doctorate. She has taught Mathematics for over 25 years, and is currently an adjunct instructor for Cabrini College and Penn State Great Valley.

Darla Nagy graduated from Bowling Green State University, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduated from Florida International University, Florida with a Master of Business Administration and graduated from Cabrini College, PA with a Master of Education and certification in secondary mathematics. She has worked as a programmer/analyst for Burroughs/Unisys Corporation, worked as a learning/math assistant in the Souderton Area and North Penn school districts, and is currently employed at Cabrini College as an adjunct math professorand a math tutor in the Math Resource Center. She is also employed as a tax preparer for H&R Block.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction - How to Pass the Math PAPA
Preparing for the Test - Proven Strategies for Successful Test Preparation
Taking the Test - Proven Strategies for Successful Test-taking
Chapter 2: Understanding Numbers and the Number System
Number Systems: The Hierarchy of Numbers
Decimals
Scientific Notation
Percents
Simple Interest and Compound Interest
Exponential Notation
Chapter 3: Pre-Algebra
Analyzing and extending a variety of patterns
Solving One Variable Equations and Inequalities Algebraically
Using the concepts of variable, equality and equation to generate, interpret, and evaluate algebraic expressions
Manipulating algebraic expressions and solving equations using a variety of techniques
Simplifying or combining like terms
Basic distributive property
Factoring an expression
Applying algebraic principles to represent and solve word problems involving ratios and proportions
Chapter 4: Algebra
Graphing Lines and Inequalities
Graphing Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities and Systems of Linear Inequalities
Non-linear functions and real-world situations
Chapter 5: Measurement and Geometry
Measurement - The U.S. Customary System
Measurement – The Metric System
Perimeter, Area, Volume and Surface Area
Circles
Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Irregular Figures/Shaded Regions
Rectangular Prisms
Sphere
Angles and Lines
Coordinate Geometry
Transformations of Points and Geometric Figures
Chapter 6: Statistics and Probability
Measures of Central Tendency and Spread
Displaying Data and Statistical Information
Analyzing and Drawing Inferences from Data Presented in Different Formats
Probability – Simple, Compound, Independent, Dependent, Conditional
Counting Principles – Permutations and Combinations
APPENDIX
Full Practice Test 1 with Detailed Answers
Full Practice Test 2 with Detailed Answers
Full Practice Test 3 with Detailed Answers
Index

Editorial Reviews

Finally, a resource to help pre-service teachers prepare for the math pre-service test! This book provides a coherent, easy-to-use approach to studying for the math pre-service exam and strengthening key math skills. Passing the Mathematics Tests for Elementary Teachers is clearly aligned with the major math concepts found on the PAPA and offers straightforward explanations, numerous examples and sample problems, and detailed answer keys that support further learning. Additionally, by enhancing the understanding of critical math skills and concepts, Passing the Mathematics Tests for Elementary Teachers supports the future teacher's ability to one day teach similar content to children.

Barbara Hanes

The authors should be commended for producing such a valuable, informative and practical book for helping pre-service teachers prepare for the math pre-service exams. This much needed work will invite, excite and excel our pre-service teachers into the profession.

Beverly R. Bryde

This book gives a very concise, straightforward and clear look at the mathematical concepts that are including on the pre-service test. With so many students struggling with math and being discouraged by their difficulties passing the test, this text is a valuable resource not only in helping these students succeed on the exam but also showing them that mathematics need not be intimidating.

John Brown

Pearse, Devanney, and Nagy’s book, Passing the Mathematics Tests for Elementary Teachers, provides students a practical and clearly explained look at the Math PAPA and walks students through the various mathematical principles necessary to successfully pass this test. With clear examples and a multitude of practice exercises, students are introduced not only to the math concepts necessary to successfully pass the Math PAPA, but also to ways to tackle the test that will lead to success. For all students who want to experience success on this test, one that is an important step to teacher certification, How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for Teachers is a must read.

Joseph E. Gillespie

Passing the Mathematics Tests for Elementary Teachers is a timely metacognitive approach to mathematical concepts tested on the pre-service exam. Pearse, Devanney, and Nagy have presented a step by step outline of the type of problem a student will encounter on this test, opportunities to practice this problem and clear, concise answers to the problem. They have expanded the explanation by sharing the thinking behind the solution. This final step separates this book from test practice by adding the layer of "How to think through the test!" A must read for teachers approaching certification!

Lee Newman