Welcome to PAWS Mathematics

A Framework for Assessing Math Skills

"Problem solving is an integral part of all mathematics learning. In everyday life and in the workplace, being able to solve problems can lead to great advantages. However, solving problems is not only a goal of learning mathematics but also a major means of doing so. Problem solving should not be an isolated part of the curriculum but should involve the basic thinking and reasoning skills of mathematics. Although each of these skills applies to all grades, the relative emphasis on particular skills will vary across the grade levels. " NCTM Principles & Standards for Mathematics

The Wyoming Mathematics Content and Performance Standards ask students to demonstrate basic computational skills along with the higher-level thinking skills of reasoning and problem solving. To achieve this end, the PAWS assessment asks students to analyze, reason, and communicate ideas effectively as they pose, formulate, solve, and interpret mathematical problems in a variety of real-world situations. Therefore, Wyoming's framework for assessing mathematics is based upon mathematical problem solving.

Skills for Mathematics

A. Skills for Number Operations and Concepts Standard

• Understand the meaning of arithmetic operations and make reasonable estimates
• Understand ways to represent numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems
• Develop the connection between conceptual understanding and computational proficiency

B. Skills for Geometry Standard

• Specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems
• A nalyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes
• Apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations

C. Skills for Measurement Standard

• Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement
• Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine perimeter, area or volume

D. Skills for Algebra Standard

• Understand patterns, relations, and functions
• Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships

E. Skills for Data Analysis and Probability Standard

• Collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer questions and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze the data
• Develop and evaluate inferences and predictions based on data

Math Resources

• Quantiles
• Alignment of PAWS to Math Standard
• Released Items
• Released Items with Data
• Vertical Alignment of PAWS Math Skills
• Math Reference Sheet - Grade 11 & Grade 6-8

• General Explanation of Assessment Descriptions
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Grade 11

Traffic Signal Instruction Suggestions

• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Grade 11