The time has come for grade level meetings to determine how we can help our students improve skills that could make or break their understanding of content. The improvement of these skills can also make or break integral test score, such as the EOG. Now, I have mixed feelings about testing, and the planning that works itself around it. But I've seen how a healthy balance between scrutinizing test scores and working as a team to determine what to translate them into can do for the student's overall success. We've met as a grade level to go over each student's scores for assessments such as EOG (End of Grade) and DORF (DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency).
Initially, it was amazing for me to see how my CE and the other teachers were taking into account each test score and how it would affect the way we could "serve" the students within tier intervention. Out of roughly 125 students in the fourth grade, approximately half of them require either Tier 2 or 3 intervention. That sounds extraordinarily discouraging, and especially nerve-wracking for me as I prepare to quickly assume the role of their full time teacher. However, I'm thankful that my grade level is willing to break this all down for me so I can understand everything jumping out at me before January 2nd.
With the group of students who require some kind of intervention (whether that be comprehension, fluency, or mathematics), we have a plan to divide them equally among the grade level and any teacher assistants who can help. I was going to lead a group as well, but my schedule wouldn't allow for it. It just amazed me overall how intense all of this assessment analyzing really was...and it wasn't for the benefit of anyone but the students. They seemed to really just want to help the students.
I'm really excited to see how the plans we made as a grade level will affect our students' understanding. Regardless of their assessment scores, I consider it a win if they have learned something. I think a healthy balance in assessment data and student ability recognition is a goal to work towards, moving into this season of life known as teaching. This connects to NCTCS 1C, 1D, and 2D...all which deal with adapting education for the benefit of the student.
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteYES! I am glad you are seeing and hearing the assessment talk now rather than later. Take each of these conversations seriously and begin planning NOW.
Wow, Olivia! I'm a little jealous that you have the opportunity to see this! As much as I'm learning in a kindergarten class, that is one thing that I wish I could experience this year. I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be at first to see all of this happening, but you're going to have such a great advantage! Good luck with everything and learn as much as possible!
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