Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 218
•
Trim: 7¼ x 10½
978-1-4758-1083-7 • Hardback • April 2015 • $109.00 • (£84.00)
978-1-4758-1084-4 • Paperback • April 2015 • $55.00 • (£42.00)
978-1-4758-1085-1 • eBook • April 2015 • $52.00 • (£40.00)
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 Devanney graduated 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 professor and a math tutor in the Math Resource Center. She is also employed as a tax preparer for H&R Block.
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
Pearse, Devanney, and Nagy’s book, How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for 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, dean, division of education and human services, Neumann University
How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for 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, Educational Consultant, South Carolina
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. How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for 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, How to Pass the Pre-Service Mathematics Test for Teachers supports the future teacher's ability to one day teach similar content to children.
— Barbara Hanes, assistant professor of education, Neumann University
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, dean for education, Cabrini College
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, associate professor and chair mathematics department, Cabrini College