TCAP questions

Now that I have finally finished TCAP testing, I have compiled the "least likely to be answered correctly question" from each section of the test. Go ahead and give them a try, remember you have to get at least 3 of them right to be considered proficient.

Most ridiculous TCAP test questions of 2009

Math:
Which number sentence can be used to check:
(2+5)+3=2+8?

(2+5)+3 = 2+(5+3)
(2+5)+3 = (2+8)+5
(2+5)+3 = (2x5)+3
(2+5)+3 = (3x8)+2

Reading:
Read these two sentences.
To make bread, you mix yeast and water and then add sugar. You stir in several cups of flour.

Which is the best way to write the second sentence?
F. First, you stir in several cups of flour
G. However, you stir in several cups of flour
H. Finally, you stir in several cups of flour
J. Therefore you stir in several cups of flour

Science:
Look at the picture of the train.


Most of the train is located

A. in the forest
B. over the water
C. next to the bridge

D. in a cloud of smoke

Social Studies:

What does the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantee?
F the right to a trial by jury
G the right to petition the government
H protection from cruel and unusual punishment
J protection from testifying against oneself in court

These are actual questions from this year's test, they are available on the state's website now that the test is over.

I don't mind preparing my kids for any test, it's part of the job, but I do have a problem with asking children seemingly random questions that are taken from the some of the least imporatant standards we are to teach.

I am not the one who has labeled them the least important the state has, the standards covered by these questions are not in the "core" standards we are to teach.

In math we are to focus on problem-solving skills, in reading on comprehension and identifying types of literature, science life cycles, solar system, cell structure, energy, states of matter, Social Studies, Tennessee history.

The questions above do not reflect these skills, SS is the one which is closest to the "focus" standard. After spending months teaching the skills we are told by the powers that be are the tested items we get the above mess.