Texas Math and Science Coaches Association
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The Texas Math and Science Coaches Association or TMSCA is an organization for coaches of academic University Interscholastic League teams in Texas middle schools and high schools, specifically those that compete in mathematics- and science-related tests.
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[edit] Tests
TMSCA releases tests each year for use in invitational competitions hosted by individual schools, as well as for the annual state-level TMSCA competition held each spring. There are tests offered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The format of the high school tests are presented below.
- Number Sense, a 10-minute, 80 questions, mental math test which allows for no scratch work or calculators
- Calculator Applications, a 30-minute test in which contestants evaluate mathematical expressions using scientific or graphing calculators
- General Math, a 40-minute, multiple choice test which covers concepts from pre-algebra to calculus
- Science, a multiple choice test which covers biology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and physics
Although they are not produced by TMSCA, many TMSCA-style competitions also offer a multiple choice Computer Science test at the high school level.
[edit] Competitions
Individual schools that are members of TMSCA can host invitational competitions using TMSCA-released tests. Many schools use this as a fundraising opportunity for their competitive math program.
TMSCA also holds two state-wide competitions for member schools each year, one at the middle school level and one at the high school level, as well as a qualification competition at the middle school level prior to the state competition. These state-wide competitions are held at the University of Texas at San Antonio campus each spring. These competitions can often serve as practice for state-wide UIL tournaments, which occur shortly after.
[edit] Grading
For the Math and Science contests, 6 points are awarded for each correct answer and 2 points are deducted for each incorrect answer. Unanswered questions do not affect the score. Thus, competetors are penalized for guessing.
On the Number Sense test, 5 points are awarded for each correct answer and 4 points are deducted for incorrect answers and problems skipped (up to the last attempted question). Number sense tests are also checked for possible scratch work, which if found could result in questions being counted incorrect or tests being disqualified.
The Calculator Applications test awards 5 points for correct answers and deducts 2 points for incorrect or skipped questions.
[edit] Results
At virtually all TMSCA competitions, students are ranked against each other in their specific grade level. This ensures parity of competition, since students in higher grades generally tend to score higher than students in the lower grades. Particularly at the high school level, there is a stark contrast between freshmen with little real math and science experience and seniors, who presumably have taken or are taking advanced placement science courses and calculus.
[edit] External links
- Texas Competitive Mathematics - information on TMSCA and UIL competitions and tests
