The Effects of Mathematical Literacy on Standardized Tests

The purpose of this study is to examine the algebra-based questions on the 2017, 2018, and 2019 STAAR exams for grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. The paper focuses on analysis of the various types of representations in question and answer type. The representations were found to be graphical, numerical, verbal, and symbolic. Within each algebra-based problem on the STAAR exam, each item was categorized to be a combination of a representation for question and a representation for answer. The linear regression and ANOVA found that students struggled in questions that were both verbally asked and had a verbal answer choice. This led to the conclusion that students need improvement of real-world situations and problem-solving to work their way through application problems. To provide a suggestion to help correct this error and produce a higher percentage in these types of questions, mathematical literacy was suggested as a possible solution.