Content Overview: Algebra I Topics Seen on the Algebra Exit Exam

For students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) taking Algebra I in middle school, the Algebra Exit Exam is an end-of-course assessment designed to measure mastery of the key algebra skills taught during that year and to help determine readiness for higher-level math in high school. The exam aligns with the district’s Algebra I curriculum and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, and it draws directly from the critical concepts students encounter in their algebra studies, preparing them for mathematical studies that they will encounter in high school. Succeeding on the Algebra Exit Exam can help students go down accelerated math pathways in high school, and later, in college. Below, we will review the content and structure of what to expect on the Algebra Exit Exam.

The Algebra Exit Exam typically includes around 40 questions that mix multiple-choice items with numeric response problems. Students are given about 120 minutes to complete it. This format requires a strong ability to reason, make educated guesses, and solve problems efficiently and in an organized manner, encouraging students to show not just correct answers but understanding of mathematical processes.

While we don’t know exactly what will be on the test, we expect to see common Algebra topics addressed. This will include things like linear relationships; students need to interpret, represent, and manipulate linear equations and inequalities, solve them using a variety of methods, and connect algebraic expressions to graphs, tables, and real-world contexts. Other common Algebra topics that may be seen on the exam include slope, intercept, translation, functions, systems of equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations. Throughout the Algebra Exit Exam, emphasis is placed on understanding equivalent expressions, manipulating algebraic structures, and using mathematical reasoning to justify solutions. Students also interpret and analyze data, which connects algebraic thinking to real-world problem solving.

It is important to note that the exam, similarly to ones that a student would encounter in-class, assumes that students are confident with expressions and equations. This means students must be comfortable simplifying various expressions, applying the distributive property, combining like terms, and using algebraic reasoning to model and solve problems. These foundational skills support the more complex work with functions and systems.

While TPC’s Algebra Exit Exam prep courses have already begun, we still have one-day Algebra Exit Exam workshops available for enrollment (click here), which involve students taking a practice test based on the real exam, breaking for a pizza lunch provided by us, and reviewing answer explanations and test-taking strategies with a tutor. TPC also has individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students looking for one-on-one, personalized help on their Algebra Exit Exam prep.