Two weeks ago our Elementary Literacy Facilitators and Instructional Coaches received some front loading on the exam, and our TLA members will also be receiving information on February 12 regarding ways to support students and staff involved in this exam.
Here's some highlights from the information the ELFs and Instructional Coaches received.
- This is the state assessment for grades 3-5.
- This spring is a baseline, we don't want to switch to "test prep." What we are currently doing to strengthen our core in reading/writing is on the right track.
- There were two needs identified: preparing teachers to administer the test and preparing students so they are familiar with the format used in the new assessment.
The English/Language Arts Team came up with some suggestions for student preparation.
- Students should have experience reading text on a screen. Thus the reason behind last week's post.
- Students should be given directions to complete independently.
- Students should experience listening to nonfiction.
What can we do to prepare students?
- Have students use the practice test to get familiar with the interface NOT grade specific questions. Students should become acquainted with features such as scrolling, reading text on a computer screen, split screen and some of the available tools (highlighting or note taking).
- Students should also become familiar with reading on a device, identifying text evidence and explaining their thinking through writing.
What can we do to prepare ourselves?
- The following 15-16 minute Badger overview should be watched by principals and tests administrators. Badger Overview
- For intermediate teachers, the February 12 Day 6 will be collaboration time with Kelli Hedlund on ways students can read and respond on devices making them comfortable with the Badger Exam format.
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