We have our second progress monitoring next week. There are some strategies that I use to help the students prepare for the test. For example:

1. Arrange the seating beforehand so the students are not asking, "Why are the desks moved"
2. Give out 2 pencils everyday and collect them.
3. Have timed assignments. This helps pacing and focus.
4. Since we take the test on line, I email the students the link to the practice test so they can get used to navigating the program.
5. Lengthen a reading block so the students can build academic endurance of sustained reading.
6. Conference with the students to show them their first score and show a reasonable goal for the next test.
7. Use the dividers for the students during the weeks prior to the test.
8. Give test taking strategies for the students on how to "flag" and questions and go back to answer.
9. Email the parents with suggestions of foods, study habits and other tidbits to help them prepare their student.
10. Since my favorite animal is an elephant, I give the students a little elephant figuring to keep at their desk because they are part of my herd and they are special.

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?

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