This year in my role as STEM Coach, I spend a good chunk of my time looking at and discussing assessments with my teachers. While I administered and wrote many assessments in my teaching career, I've been spending time researching more about creating assessments. I came across this article from Edutopia and wanted to share it because it had so many good ideas and reminders in it. I will be sharing it with my teachers in my next newsletter as well!
https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-teachers-improve-assessment-test-makeover
One of the biggest challenges in data analysis is understanding the outcomes from different tests given to our students throughout the school year. How do you, or how does your school, help to establish assessment literacy among staff?
What are your favorite play based learning activities you have used with your students?
200 FREE Voices to use with your students, families or friends! Make literacy learning joyful and engaging!
https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-10-1
What are some strategies for teaching students to organize their writing and develop a strong thesis statement?
When creating sub plans, make sure that you include the little day to day things that might be overlooked. For example, I have a list of students that are pulled for services and the times that they are pulled to help the substitute with classroom management. I also have a list of jobs that the students have that ill minimize the confusion in the classroom when students try to push the limits. I also have notes about certain students that will help the substitute understand the student better. I have also created an "emergency" substitute folder that has activities and resources in case I am not able to set up for a substitute in advance (hence the emergency). Class prep is also important. Part of the routine that I set in place is letting the students know that if I am not in the classroom, the expectations remain the same. What are some other things that you have done to prepare for a substitute?
Modeling ethics when working with student data involves maintaining confidentiality, using data responsibly, and being transparent about its purpose.
How do you model ethics when working with student data?
What are some things you do at the start of the school year to build relationships with students?
What are some of your favorite review activities (I’m thinking before a summative assessment) for math?
Is there anything you would shy away from when teaching special education students about phonics and using individual syllables?
How do you organize student data?
I have several data recording sheets I purchased online to help me see each of my students' growth over time and keep those in a binder. How do you store and keep track of anecdotal notes or informal observations you make?
How do you effectively co-plan lessons with a co-teacher to ensure equal participation?
What are some of your favorite websites or publishers of early reading reader’s theater you love?
Do you have outdoor classroom or garden space at your school? How do you use the space and who cares for the space?
Just bought a copy of Beyond Pizza and Pies -- a professional book about fractions! I dove in yesterday and I'm already excited about what I'm learning.
Has anyone read this? What are your thoughts? Also any other good resources for helping 3rd-5th graders learn fractions? This is an area of weakness across our school!
How do you manage difficult parents that seem to blame teachers for their child's behavior and absences?
