Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Mathematics Contest

Important Information

Time and Place

The contest will be held at 9:30 local time on Saturday, April 29, 2000 at fifteen sites throughout the State.

Categories, Format, and Content

There are five mathematics problem solving tests: Pre-Algebra, Algebra (First Course)/Integrated Mathematics I, Geometry/Integrated Mathematics II, Algebra (Second Course)/Integrated Mathematics III, and Comprehensive. Each includes about 36 multiple-choice questions and runs 90 minutes.

The categories have been modified for the 2000 Contest to allow students who are enrolled in integrated mathematics course sequences to participate. These courses, which are often part of reform curriculum efforts, present the contest of the more traditional Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II courses in integrated course formats.

Questions for the first four categories may be related to any of the content identified in the Indiana Mathematics Proficiency Guides, the Core 40 Competencies for Mathematics, or included in State-approved textbooks. The courses Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III are not in general use throughout the state. However, after the completion of the three course sequence it is expected that students will have the opportunity to have encountered all of the content of the Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry indicated in the Indiana Core 40 Competencies. The content of the Comprehensive category is drawn from pre-calculus mathematics including trigonometry, finite mathematics, simple linear algebra, probability, statistics, and analytic geometry.

Participants

The contest is open to any middle school, junior high school, or senior high school mathematics student in the State of Indiana. Participation on the part of any interested student is encouraged; there is no limit to the number of participants from any school. A participant may take only one test each year. Participants in the Pre-Algebra category are limited to middle school and junior high school students who have not yet enrolled in Algebra. Participants in the Algebra (First Course)/Integrated Mathematics I, Geometry/Integrated Mathematics II, and Algebra (Second Course)/Integrated Mathematics II categories must be currently enrolled in a corresponding course. Students can participate only one time in each of the Algebra (First Course)/Integrated Mathematics I, Geometry/Integrated Mathematics II, and Algebra (Second Course)/Integrated Mathematics III categories. Students can participate in the Pre-Algebra and Comprehensive categories more than once.

Registration, Certification, and Fees

There is a non-refundable $4 participant fee for each student. Participants must be registered by their school, and the school must certify that the participants are currently enrolled in courses appropriate for the category. No special certification is required for the Comprehensive category.

Calculators

Tests for all categories are writen with the assumption that a student has a scientific calculator at hand. Participants must provide their own calculator. Any such machine, including graphing or programmable types, will be permitted. However, a common scientific calculator with memory and pre-calculus functions is sufficient.

Sponsors and Transportation

Participants must be accompanied by a sponsor designated by their school. Transportation to and from the contest is the responsibility of the school and participant.

Special Needs

Participants that require any special needs must contact the Local Site Coordinator at least one week in advance. An alternate testing time is available at some but not all sites on Thursday, April 27, 2000 to accommodate students who could not otherwise participate. Any such special arrangements must be made with the site chair.

Recognition and Awards

Each participant will receive a Certificate of Participation. Site Awards will be given to the top three ranking students (plus any ties) in each of the five categories. Each student answering 75% or more of the test questsions correctly will be designated a Scholar and will receive a certificate. Each student who scores among the top five percent throughout the State will be designated an Outstanding Scholar and will receive both a medal and a certificate.

A recognition ceremony for Outstanding Scholars and their teachers will be held about June 17, 2000 at the Indiana State House in Indianapolis. Outstanding Scholars and their teachers will be notified in early May of the time and location of the ceremony. Certificates and medals for students who cannot attend the ceremony will be sent to their homes. A list of all Outstanding Scholars will be published by ICTM in Fall 2000.

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