In my first grade classroom I use a variety of assessments to determine a child's progress towards a learning goal. Dibels is a curriculum based measurement for literacy. My students are tested three times a year using this assessment. I use progress monitoring through Guided Reading. Students are expected to graduate first grade on DRA level of 16. I evaluate each child's progress weekly through running records. My students are also assessed in math and ELA using a computerized test called MAP. From these assessments, students with below average scores are chosen for RtI services. Before budget cuts, students with a below average DRA level would be serviced through a program called Reading Recovery. Students with a low Dibels score are pulled for ERI, and using progress monitoring and MAP scores the classroom teacher can refer exceptional students to an ITEAM to discuss options for intervention.
After reading this chapter, I realize a major weakness and that is putting too much stress on MAP testing. As pressure for high test scores rests on the shoulders of teachers, I find myself transferring some of that anxiety to my students. I found myself telling them, "Just do your best!" and "Don't stress it's just a test." Now gloomy from behind, the threat of performance based pay changes my tone drastically. I now overly stress, "TAKE YOUR TIME!!" and "THIS TEST IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!"
From this point on I want to effectively prepare my students for the MAP test. I just received a SMARTBoard in my classroom a month ago. Since then I have had my students practice MAP based questions in class for practice, but I want to further their test preparation by discussing test anxiety and ways to calm oneself down during a test. I have a very intelligent student that always scores above average on assessments, however she suffers from extreme test anxiety. She cries during MAP testing. I need to meet with her one on one to discuss her anxiety and discuss ways to improve her feelings during testing.
I think we all push students when it comes to testing, even if it's not for our own benefit - we just want them to do well. I have a students at the high school level with test anxiety also. She was able to pass her HSAP test, but it took two years of teachers meeting with her, guiding her, teaching her about taking breaks, etc. I think she learned to throw away her anxiety and just do her best.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to have a great time with the SMARTBoard in your room. I have a Promethean Board and with ActivExpressions, I can utilize so much technology within my lesson that it amazes my students!
Unfortunately, test taking anxiety is here to stay! What bothers me the most is that so many of these tests are not authentic or reliable. The students might not do well for hundreds of reasons. Maybe they didn't get a good night sleep, maybe the child beside them was distracting, or maybe ONE word through them off.
ReplyDeleteThe Odyssey program has been a great MAP practice for the students in my room. They get to work through assignments on the computer that I have uploaded for them. They think it's fun because the program offers fun graphics and games to present the content.