The Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills:Predictive Validity for an Elementary Mathematics Concepts and Structures Course

Abstract

The Descriptive Tests of Mathematics Skills (DTMS) were designed for a wide range of uses at the lower division level. Two DTMS tests, Arithmetic Skills and Elementary Algebra Skills, were used to set a minimum standard for transferring juniors majoring in elementary education to enroll in an advanced mathematics concepts and structures course at a midwestern upper-division university. For the 60 students passing both tests and earning a grade in the class, significant predictive validity coefficients were found. When multivariate analysis was applied, it was found that the model could be simplified to only the Elementary Algebra Skills test. Nevertheless, DTMS can be used effectively to place upper-division elementary education majors into an advanced mathematics concepts and structures course.

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