ATLAS Strategy Reference Sheet ATLAS Strategy Guide
Mastering the 7th Grade Math Open Response
ARKANSAS MATH
Blueprint for Success
A
Analyze the Prompt
Read the problem twice. Circle the specific question(s) you need to answer and underline the numbers or keywords.
How many parts are there? What units are required?
T
Technical Setup
Choose your tools. Will you use an equation, a ratio table, a tape diagram, or a coordinate plane? Write down your formula first.
\(y = kx\) \(A = \pi r^2\) \(V = Bh\)
L
Lead with Logic
Show every calculation. In ATLAS scoring, the process is just as important as the answer. Label your steps (Step 1, Step 2, etc.).
Tip: If you use a calculator, write down exactly what you typed in!
A
Answer Completely
Write a final sentence that answers the specific question from step one. Use the correct units (e.g., cm², dollars, miles per hour).
Example: "The cost per person for the field trip is $12.50."
S
Support & Scrutinize
Review your work. Does the answer make sense? Add a brief explanation of *why* your method worked or how you know you are right.
Justify your reasoning!
Arkansas 7th Grade Math
Designed by Lenny for ATLAS Preparation
Open Response Blueprint Worksheet Open Response Blueprint
Topic: Proportional Relationships & Modeling
Name:
Date:
PART 1: GUIDED STRATEGY EXAMPLE
Problem: A bakery sells 5 dozen cookies for $22.50. At this rate, what is the cost of 8 dozen cookies?
A - Analyze
Find the cost of 8 dozen cookies based on the rate of 5 dozen for $22.50.
T - Technical Setup
Use a unit rate: \(\text{Cost} \div \text{Dozen} = \text{Price per dozen}\)
Calculation: \(22.50 \div 5\)
L - Lead with Logic (Step-by-Step)
1. Find unit rate: \(22.50 \div 5 = 4.50\)
2. Multiply unit rate by 8: \(4.50 \times 8 = 36\)
A - Answer Completely
The cost for 8 dozen cookies is $36.00.
S - Support / Scrutinize
8 dozen is more than 5 dozen, so $36.00 makes sense compared to $22.50.
PART 2: SCAFFOLDED PRACTICE
A landscaping company charges $85 for 2 hours of lawn maintenance. At this rate, how much would a customer pay for 5.5 hours of work?
A - Analyze (Identify Goal)
T - Technical Setup (Plan/Formula)
L - Lead with Logic (Show All Work Clearly)
A - Answer Completely (With Units)
S - Support / Scrutinize (Explain)
PART 3: INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
A map has a scale of 0.5 inches = 12 miles. The distance between two towns on the map is 3.75 inches.
What is the actual distance, in miles, between the two towns? Use the ATLAS strategy to show your work.
Show your ATLAS steps below:
ATLAS Strategy Slides ATLAS STRATEGY
7th Grade Math: Open Response
How to "build" a perfect score on Arkansas's multi-step math problems.
ANALYZE
TECHNICAL
LOGIC
ANSWER
SUPPORT
What is an "Open Response"?
It's more than just a number!
Requires **modeling** and **reasoning**.
Points are awarded for **your process**.
"It's not about being right; it's about being able to prove you are right."
- ATLAS Success Rule #1
A
Analyze
Don't rush to the math!
Read the prompt **twice**. Circle the final question. Determine how many tasks you are being asked to do.
PRO TIP:
"If the question asks for 'Explain' and 'Solve', you have TWO jobs."
T - Technical Setup
Choose your **Blueprints**. What formula or model will help you solve this?
Geometry
\(A = \pi r^2\)
Proportions
\(y = kx\)
Equations
\(px + q = r\)
Ratios
\(a : b = c : d\)
T
L - Lead with Logic
L
Show every step clearly. If someone else reads your work, they should be able to follow your path without guessing.
Step One
Step Two
Final Answer
A
Answer Completely
State your answer in a full sentence. Check your units (miles, $, people).
S
Support & Scrutinize
Does it make sense? Explain *why* you chose your method or check it with a different one.
Ready to build your masterpiece?
Teacher Master Key Teacher Master Key
Open Response Blueprint Worksheet
Answer Key & Rubric
Part 2: Lawn Maintenance Problem
A - Analyze
The goal is to find the total cost for 5.5 hours of work given the rate of $85 for 2 hours.
T - Technical Setup
Equation: \(C = rh\)
L - Lead with Logic
Step 1: Find unit rate (cost per hour)
\(85 \div 2 = 42.5\) (or $42.50 per hour)
Step 2: Multiply by total hours
\(42.5 \times 5.5 = 233.75\)
A - Answer
The customer would pay $233.75 for 5.5 hours of work.
S - Support
5.5 hours is between 2 and 3 times the original amount. $233.75 is between 2 and 3 times $85, so it is reasonable.
Part 3: Map Scale Problem
Complete Solution Path:
Analyze: Find actual distance using scale 0.5 in = 12 mi for a 3.75 in map distance.
Setup: Proportion approach: \(\frac{0.5 \text{ in}}{12 \text{ mi}} = \frac{3.75 \text{ in}}{x \text{ mi}}\) OR Unit Rate: \(12 \div 0.5 = 24\) miles per inch.
Logic:
\(3.75 \div 0.5 = 7.5\) (scale factors)
\(7.5 \times 12 = 90\)
-- OR --
\(24 \times 3.75 = 90\)
Answer: The actual distance between the two towns is **90 miles**.
Support: Checked by cross-multiplication: \(0.5 \times 90 = 45\); \(12 \times 3.75 = 45\). The work is consistent.
ATLAS Scoring Rubric (4-Point Scale)
Score Expectations for Open Response 4 Full understanding. All parts answered. Work is clear, accurate, and includes correct units. Explanation (S) is logical. 3 Mostly accurate. All parts attempted. One minor calculation error OR missing units in final answer. Logic is sound. 2 Partial understanding. Multiple minor errors or one major conceptual error. Evidence of the ATLAS strategy but incomplete. 1 Minimal understanding. Only one part solved correctly or only steps shown without an answer.
