Test Taking Strategies - A Closer Look at Data
Carol Brewer
Nov 10, 2008
At this time of the year we are into our second quarter benchmarks. Administrators and teachers should look at their data to determine "next steps" for instruction. It is important to have an understanding of how to "read" the data and determine the needed strategies for explicit instruction. Many times the data are viewed as whole class or grade level and not in terms of meeting the needs of the individual students. For example, even though a high percentage of students are proficient with the Knowledge questions ("look back" questions that can be found in the text), there are still students who need to strengthen this test taking strategy. This understanding can be reinforced in small "Flex Groups". These Flex Groups allow the teacher time to model the strategy on the struggling learners' comprehension level.
Steps in the Process:
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Students take the Benchmark Assessments
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Student results are recorded
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Administrators and teachers analyze the data
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Administrators and teachers look at the needs of the individual students
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Teachers use data to set up "next steps" for instruction
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Teachers use Flex Groups to satisfy the needs individual students
Remember: Use data to meet the needs of individual students.
For more information view the Learning-Focused Assessments collection.
