Doing the Math - JHU Mathematics - Johns Hopkins University

The VSC for Algebra I/Data Analysis,
the HSA for Algebra I/Data Analysis, and
the Accuplacer Elementary Algebra Test
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The full alignment is included in the appendix.
Conclusion:
The VSC for Algebra I/Data Analysis does not prepare a student to perform at a
minimally sufficient level on the Accuplacer Elementary Algebra Test.
The Accuplacer corresponds to traditional material typically covered in an algebra I
course. It is largely concerned with the abstract manipulations required to solve
equations and covers the basic mathematical skills necessary to do so. These skills
include arithmetic skills as well as formal manipulations of arithmetic and algebraic
expressions. The student is expected to be able to apply these skills to solve
problems. There are a few problems that deal with real-world applications and
interpretations, but most problems are stated in purely mathematical terms.
The VSC and the HSA do not focus on basic mathematical skills. The curricular
approach, with its stated backbone of real-world applications, centers on making the
material relevant to the student rather than on the acquisition of basic algebraic skills.
The VSC and the HSA include many topics that are not required for the Accuplacer
tests. In fact, only about 30 percent of the VSC for Algebra I/Data Analysis is found to
be relevant to the Accuplacer Elementary Algebra Test. Conversely, the Accuplacer
test assesses facility with arithmetic expressions and with formal manipulations of
algebraic expressions, particularly polynomials, and much of this material is not
included in the VSC. The following chart summarizes the findings:
Accuplacer % of Applicable % of Comparable
VSC Indicators HSA Problems
12 problems