Texas Math and Science Coaches Association

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.

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 (which takes place prior to UIL competition).

The format of the high school tests are presented below.

*"Number Sense" – a 10-minute, 80 question, "mental" math test (no calculators or scratch paper are allowed). Students must work the problems in order as printed on the test; if a problem is skipped it is scored as a wrong answer. Scoring is 5 points for each correct answer and -4 points (4 points deducted) for each wrong answer or skipped question; the maximum score possible is 400.
*"Calculator Applications", a 30-minute, 80 question test in which contestants evaluate mathematical expressions using scientific or graphing calculators. Scoring is 5 points for each correct answer, -9 points (9 points deducted) for each wrong answer or skipped question and -4 points (4 points deducted) for SD (Significant Digit) problems; the maximum score is 400 points.
*"General Math", a 40-minute, 60 question multiple choice test which covers concepts from pre-algebra to calculus Scoring is 5 points for each correct answer and -9 points (9 points deducted) for each wrong answer; the maximum score is 250 points. Skipped questions and unanswered questions are unscored and to not add or deduct points.
*"Science": For middle school 40 minutes are given to complete the test. After 20 minutes, however, any competitors who are done may leave. The test is 50 questions and covers biology, chemistry, and physics. High school tests are two hours long and are 60 questions. Any competitors that are done may leave after 30 minutes. The test is divided up into three 20 question sections covering biology, chemistry, 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.

The middle school tests are named Number Sense, Calculator, General Math, and Science; the subjects are similar to the high school tests but are of lower difficulty.

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 fall. These competitions can often serve as practice for state-wide UIL tournaments, which occur shortly after, and for middle school students is their only opportunity to compete at the state level (UIL competitions at the middle school level do not go beyond district).

Grading

For the Math and Science contests in middle school, 5 points are awarded for each correct answer and 2 points are deducted for each incorrect answer. In high school, 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 4 points for incorrect or skipped questions.

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.

External links

* [http://www.texasmath.org/ Texas Competitive Mathematics] - information on TMSCA and UIL competitions and tests