Grade Six: Mathematics

Typical Grade Six Mathematics Performance on the CST

Advanced

Students in grade six at the advanced level understand integers and solve word problems that use integers. They solve problems involving ratios, proportions, rate, and order of operations. They understand the underlying principles of algebra and its relationship to geometry. They solve simple linear equations, find the missing angle in situations involving multiple angles, know area and volume formulas, and understand types of triangles. Advanced students solve simple probability problems and understand the ways that probability may be represented. They understand measures of central tendency and can determine how mean and median are affected by changes in the data set.

Proficient

Students in grade six at the proficient level have a good understanding of the concepts that underlie grade six mathematics, including integers, percentages, and proportions. They solve problems involving the addition of negative and positive integers, compare and order integers using visual representation, calculate percentages, and set up proportions from concrete situations. Their skills in algebra and geometry include solving one-step equations, writing expressions from word problems, solving problems involving rate, solving for the missing angle in a triangle or a supplementary angle, and identifying types of triangles. Proficient students also understand the basic concepts of probability and measures of central tendency.

Basic

Students in grade six at the basic level have mastered some of the basic concepts that underlie the mathematics they will encounter in grade seven. Students at this level compare and order integers with explicit visual representation and can represent integers on a number line. They find the greatest common divisor, solve proportions with 1 in either the numerator or denominator, write simple expressions from word problems, and solve one-step equations using addition or subtraction. They have a limited understanding of triangles, but may identify types of triangles and solve for the missing angle. Their skills in data analysis include representing probabilities, creating an organized list, and determining how to conduct a representative survey.

Below Basic

Students in grade six at the below basic level may solve proportions in which 1 appears in the numerator or denominator, solve a one-step equation involving addition or subtraction, evaluate a one-step equation using substitution, calculate the volume of a triangular prism, identify common types of triangles, represent probability as a ratio, percent, or decimal, and understand the concepts of mean and median.