After Winter Break ended, we didn't have a full week with students until mid February. Multi day lessons in math and science were separated and rescheduled. Chapter tests in Math were disconnected from the practice assignments.
Science, has been impacted especially hard. We only have two Science periods a week, so a well placed Polar Vortex can mean that my kids might not get science for two weeks. My grade level partners and I changed the sequencing of the investigations to put Ecology in the 3rd quarter and the Earth Science and Space in the 4th quarter this year to take advantage of the Spring weather. Looking at past years lesson plans, my class was two to four weeks behind where we probably should be at this point in the year. We haven't investigated half of the topics in Ecology and nothing that had to do with tides, the moon, or seasons. Topics that I know will be probably be covered on ISTEP.
Full confession. I did prepare some practice packets, so that my kids are familiar with the format and how to answer the types of questions that are asked. I owe them that. They don't need to get surprised by the format. Unlike many of our class assessments, they don't get a choice to demonstrate how they know something. On ISTEP, circle the bubble or put your answer on the line provided. That should do it.
Especially with all the instructional gaps, It was really tempting to get out previous test versions and piece together some sort of cram packet and squeeze all of the topics into our school day. I could teach to the test. I could stress the kids out, give them a "5 basquillion" worksheets that will teach them nothing, except to confirm that they don't usually learn much from worksheets.
"I go to school to learn, not fill out paperwork" - My 16 year-old son
I could organize a school wide rally to get the kids excited about a test.
(from my class' Facebook page)
I could make a fun video to get my students focused.
I'm not criticizing these efforts. I want to very clear about that. These methods are earnest attempts to get kids pumped up or prepared for a task that's important to a great number of people. There is a lot riding on these tests, but for me, there's more riding on what they learn and how they think.
What if I put my focus on creating engaging lessons and investigations? What if I put my energy into our classroom, create a place that was safe and fun, so that it was a place that kids wanted to come to?
What if I just kept teaching?
I'm about to find out.
Thanks for reading.
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photo credit: dianecordell via photopin cc
I completely agree! I never stress the test with kids. I just go in and take them. However, this year our format chances. The choosing of an answer out of four is no longer. They will drag and drop and type answers. It's going to be a big learning year. The best part is, the testing program is having problems. Changes of calculators and other stuff is changing weekly right now. I have a few more weeks until testing, but the stress level for me is high because we don't really know what to expect. Good luck in your tests!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Anthony! Your kids are in good hands. I'm confident in that!
DeleteI can't wait until you find out. I think I know the answer before you take the test. Your kids will do just fine on the test. They might even be more refreshed and care more about trying on the test because they aren't worksheet zombies and full of anxiety!I also know this, your students will remember the experiences they had in the classroom and will be able to apply and use this knowledge in new areas.
ReplyDeleteThat is my hope! Thanks Carol! The turning point for me was last year when I was asked to help a nine year-old out of the computer lab, because she was in tears from the stress. She didn't know the answer to the first couple of questions and broke down. I didn't want to contribute to that any longer.
DeleteIt's ridiculous! I know there a lot out there about the Finnish school systems. One thing I noticed from all I read was they did not have standardized tests yet they seem to beat out every other country in the international tests. I am no expert in the Finnish school systems but I do not that is directly opposite of what the US seems to do. A nine year old should not cry over a test! It makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the temptation to put together packets in preparation for testing. Obviously you want to make sure the students understand the format of the test. Some schools highly encourage the use of class practice packets and assign state testing practice sheets for homework. The stress and anxiety involved can negatively impact a classroom/school. I'm encouraged to read that teachers like you are willing to do what's best for kids in the midst of high-stakes testing. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Matt! I'm confident that by the end of the school year, our class will have learned what they need to learn even more next year. I'm not sure a test in March can determine that, so why stress the kids out? Every kid comes to me at a different levels and they will leave at different levels of proficiency. They need to know what's coming, but to specifically focus efforts on the test, seems silly and not how I want my kids to learn.
DeleteBravo Eric! If tests are aligned to standards, and your curriculum and lessons are aligned to the same standards, there should be no need to "teach to the test" because you are teaching what is tested by default. Other than giving students an overview of the testing format and a few test-taking tips (eliminate answers you know are wrong first, etc.), there shouldn't be a whole lot of focus on "the test." Can't wait to hear how your kids do!
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