Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2018, Grade 3 Mathematics

Question 15: Constructed-Response

Reporting Category: Number and Operations-Fractions
Standard: Mathematics.3.NF.A.01 - Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole (a single unit) is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.
Item Description: Determine the relationships between the number of equal parts and the number of wholes in a word problem.

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Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
3	The student response demonstrates an exemplary understanding of the Numbers and Operations - Fractions concepts involved in understanding a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts and understanding a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b. Given a number of fractional parts, the student correctly determines the number of wholes and, given a number of wholes, the student correctly determines the number of fractional parts.
3
2	The student response demonstrates a good understanding of the Numbers and Operations - Fractions concepts involved in understanding a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts and understanding a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b. Although there is significant evidence that the student was able to recognize and apply the concepts involved, some aspect of the response is flawed. As a result, the response merits 2 points.
1	The student response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the Number and Operations - Fractions concepts involved in understanding a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts and understanding a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b. While some aspects of the task are completed correctly, others are not. The mixed evidence provided by the student merits 1 point.
0	The student response contains insufficient evidence of an understanding of Number and Operations - Fractions concepts involved in understanding a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts and understanding a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b to merit any points.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 3.

Grade 3 Mathematics

Question 15: Number and Operations-Fractions

Question 35: Number and Operations in Base Ten

Return to the MCAS 2018 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: March 11, 2024