NGSA Mathematics study plan
NGSA Mathematics · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Number and Operations
Diagnose current arithmetic accuracy by completing 40 mixed integer, fraction, and decimal computations under timed conditions and logging every error by type
Convert fluently among fractions, decimals, and percents without a calculator across 30 practice items
Apply order of operations and integer rules to simplify 25 multi-step expressions, showing each intermediate step
Build a personal error log categorizing mistakes as conceptual, procedural, or careless
Your checkpoint
A completed diagnostic error log covering at least 60 problems, with each error tagged by operation type and cause
Number and Operations
Compute confidently with ratios, rates, and unit conversions across 30 real-world word problems
Solve percent-change, markup, discount, and simple-interest problems using a single consistent setup method
Explain and apply divisibility rules, prime factorization, and least common multiple/greatest common factor to simplify 20 problems
Estimate answers before computing to catch magnitude errors, verified on 15 items
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet of ratio, percent, and number-property formulas plus 30 worked problems showing estimation checks
Algebra and Functions
Translate 20 verbal statements into algebraic expressions and equations, identifying the variable and its meaning
Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including those with fractions and distribution, across 30 problems
Rearrange formulas to isolate any specified variable in 15 exercises
Graph linear equations and inequalities on a coordinate plane and read slope and intercepts from 10 graphs
Your checkpoint
A 25-problem mixed set on expressions, equations, and inequalities scored at 80 percent or higher
Algebra and Functions
Determine slope, intercepts, and equations of lines from tables, two points, and graphs across 20 items
Solve systems of two linear equations by substitution and elimination and interpret the solution graphically
Recognize and extend arithmetic and geometric patterns, writing the general rule for each of 10 sequences
Apply function notation and evaluate functions at given inputs in 15 exercises
Your checkpoint
A timed 20-question algebra checkpoint with a written correction for every missed item
Geometry and Measurement
Compute perimeter, area, and volume of triangles, circles, cylinders, and composite figures using correct unit labels
Apply the Pythagorean theorem and distance formula to solve 20 problems, including real-world contexts
Classify angles and angle relationships and solve for unknown angles in parallel-line and polygon problems
Perform unit conversions within and across measurement systems in 15 problems
Your checkpoint
A formula card plus a 20-problem geometry set where every answer includes correct square or cubic units
Geometry and Measurement & Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Solve similarity, scale-factor, and proportional-geometry problems across 15 items
Compute mean, median, mode, and range and explain which measure best describes a given data set
Read and interpret bar graphs, line graphs, histograms, and scatter plots to answer 15 questions
Calculate simple probabilities from tables and describe complementary and compound events
Your checkpoint
A two-part worksheet of 15 geometry and 15 data/probability problems with all work shown and scored
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability & Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving
Analyze two-way frequency tables and scatter plots to describe association and make predictions
Distinguish correlation from causation and evaluate the validity of 10 statistical claims
Apply a structured problem-solving routine to 15 multi-step word problems, documenting given information, plan, and check
Identify extraneous information and estimate reasonable answers in 10 problems
Your checkpoint
A written solution portfolio of 10 multi-step problems, each with a labeled plan, computation, and reasonableness check
Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving & Number and Operations & Algebra and Functions
Complete two full-length timed practice tests and record domain-level accuracy for each
Re-teach and re-solve every missed item from the practice tests, targeting the two weakest domains
Practice pacing and answer-checking strategies to finish each section with time remaining
Consolidate all formula sheets and error logs into a single review document
Your checkpoint
A final score report comparing practice test results to the week-1 diagnostic, with a prioritized list of remaining weak skills
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80 percent on a 30-item number-and-operations quiz and show a 20 percent or greater accuracy gain over the week-1 diagnostic
Week 4: Solve 8 of 10 mixed linear-equation and system problems correctly within 20 minutes without notes
Week 6: Score at least 75 percent on a combined 30-item geometry and data-analysis quiz with correct units on all measurement answers
Week 8: Achieve at least 75 percent overall on the final practice test, with no single domain below 65 percent