Testing Crunch Time

Testing mode is just around the corner for many students. Many upper graders have gone through the endless routines of drills either in reading or math.  Before I began the famous testing countdown I knew that drilling wasn’t the way to go. From pastexperience, I know a good foundation and solid instruction is what brings high test result. But, what happens to the students who still receive solid and quality instruction throughout the year and are still struggling? This is the question that ended my happy teaching week.

As a teacher, I know I have given my best and pushed for higher thinking. When I reflect on my practices in the classroom I can say with confidence that everyone has received research instruction and high expectations were expected from everyone. As a class we have built a community of readers and writers who support each other and have learned to work in harmony. However, there are still a handful of students whose progress has not been enough to put them at grade level.

So what do we do with these kids? Do we give up? Of course not! We encourage them and continue to teach till the last minute. As a result, I resort to two of my go to strategies for those pesky standardized test.



click here to get All About Question & Answer Relationship (QAR) in PDF.



Click here to get All About Reciprocal Reaching in PDF file.

What are your go to strategies during crunch time?