#ALedchat Archive
#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Monday April 25, 2016
Welcome to ! Topic: Standardized Testing: Maximizing/Minimizing importance. Tell us who you are and where you are tweeting from.
Good evening, HS Intervention Specialist (SPED) from Akron, Ohio!
initiative is amazing effort 2 finish strong w .Glad 2 call you .
Welcome, Carol! Glad you are joining in tonight!
Good evening ! Derek, 7-12 Social Studies teacher from North English, IA. Excited to be learning and growing with you!
Good evening, Principal at Central Intermediate in Monmouth, IL. Happy to be here tonight.
We will follow the Q1...Q2...A1...A2... format.
Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island here for a bit with .
Holly Sutherland, Principal of Haleyville HS, AL. Welcome all!
Jennifer Hogan. Co-founder of this chat and . HS AP in Hoover AL. So great to be here with the team tonight!
Christy Bice, AP at Haleyville Elementary and co-moderator for . Looking forward to a great chat tonight!
Elaine Frix, Haleyville Elementary-3rd grade
Glad you're here, Becky! I know you will have some great insight!
Welcome, Elaine! Always great to have you!
Welcome Back, Derek! Glad you're here!
from Enterprise, AL Instructional Partner 7th-8th grades
Jillian, 2nd grade teacher, Texas. Have taught 5th grade too.
Glad you are here Carrie!
*****Q1 coming up in 2 min*****
Jimmy Shaw. Co^4 mod of master apprentice
Glad you are here Jillian!
Elyse Aldridge--Haleyville High/9th
Always great to have you, Elyse!
Good eve
Maggie Bolado , Science 7th,
Grad Student
Kfulmer Hoover HS Tech coach
Hey, Coach! Glad you're here!!
Welcome, Jillian! Glad you're joining us tonight!
Enjoying some of your southern charm.
Q1: Tell what type of standardized tests your school gives.
Welcome, Keith! Always love having HHS peeps here!
MAGGIE! So glad you're here!
A1: We give Aspire to our 10th graders, the ACT and Work Keys at the high school level.
A1: Our school gives our state Iowa Assessments, MAP testing, and occasionally the NAEP. Kids on their own take ACT.
STAR Reading and Math 4X and ASPIRE
A1: We give the Scantron/GlobalScholar, Aspire, ACT, and WorkKeys.
A1: American Institute for Research for state assessments, as well as the ACT
Glad you are here Reuben!
A1: HES is currently giving the Aspire in all subject areas in 3rd-5th.
Interested in what those of you from other states administer? https://t.co/ac4OvGf63Z
A1: We give Aspire to our 10th graders, the ACT and Work Keys at the high school level.
How does your state use the ACT results?
Welcome, Kelli! Glad you're here!
Illinois just made the decision to go to SAT instead of ACT.
Welcome, Bryan! Hope board meeting went well!
A1 State standardized assessments 3rd & 4th. 5th grade (intermediate campus) reading, math, science. SSI year-Must pass rdg & math
What is SSI year? What if a student doesn't pass?
Jimmy in Iowa we have our own state assessment called the Iowa Assessments. All grades except 12th partake.
I'm Macy Martin and I'm observing this chat for my Education Technology class at Huntingdon College
we use the ACT for college admissions, scholarships and etc. I wasn't clear enough, AIRS for state assessments
Grayson Lawrence, Assistant Principal Winterboro High School
joining the chat a little late. End of the semester grading
Welcome, Macy! Feel free to jump in and contribute!
We have to be cousins somewhere down the line https://t.co/ARo9BnG9tC
Thank you, my maternal grandmother was born and raised in Alabama!
Jump right in! Glad you are here.
We will be piloting the KEA in kindergarten next year. I would love to hear from anyone currently participating.
NYS has the Common Core Gr 3-8 State Assessments & Regents exams at HS. A1
Welcome, Tara! Jump on in!
Hey, Grayson! Glad you're here tonight!
A1: Our state gives the PARCC. We over test all of our kids but especially those that need the most help https://t.co/DjlBzisfm3
*****Q2 coming up in 1 min*****
Leah Epperson, HES K teacher
Is that more of a progress monitoring type assessment?
I imagine most of us are in the mist of testing now or in the not-so-distant-future. We have been AIR testing for about a week.
Joining late! Hannah Shirley college student participating for education technology class!
A1: Aspire grades 5-8, and 10, ACT 11, and Work Keys https://t.co/njhIE6wDNV
Q1: Tell what type of standardized tests your school gives.
Not really sure. I know that Iowa DOE is looking to transition to Smarter Balanced Assessment in near future.
Q2: How much value does your school place on standardized testing?
said the SAT was better aligned with standards for what students should know in IL.
NYS hasn't instituted PARCC yet. There has been much talk about the future of testing. A1
A1: what said. Plus EasyCBM, PNOA, next steps, etc. https://t.co/IZl1qE2Qzk
A1: We give the Scantron/GlobalScholar, Aspire, ACT, and WorkKeys.
Welcome Hannah! Don't care what drove you here, just glad you came https://t.co/BpENYHYqFk
Joining late! Hannah Shirley college student participating for education technology class!
Student success initiative-Must pass. If not, 2nd round, then summer school & 3rd round. Unsuccessful-GPC mtg.
Angela Watkins Elementary Principal K-5
we finished up the 6th day of ASPIRE testing today.
PARCC is state std. test. We use NWEA Maps for all SS grade 2 and up to prog. monitor but ELLs do ACCESS https://t.co/C2DXdDHDtL
Is that more of a progress monitoring type assessment?
A2: believe that HHS does a great job balancing things out--test is important but don't forget about the learning in the process.
Glad you are here Angela!
Grade placement committee meeting to make informed decision w/ affected stakeholders.
Do you all have a state wide summative assessment at strategic grades? https://t.co/eqRn92ySx2
NYS hasn't instituted PARCC yet. There has been much talk about the future of testing. A1
A2: At HES, we use the data to determine areas of strength and weakness within our curriculum. This info guides PD,...
A2: Admin has 1 on 1 convos with Ss prior to the test to discuss importance. After test they sit down again to discuss results.
A2: We want kids to be successful on ACT & WorkKeys; good scores can open doors for our kids.
Excited to see many colleges moving away from Standard Tests as entrance measures Hoping the same for p-12 https://t.co/cwLQoiAsI8
Q2: How much value does your school place on standardized testing?
A3: The 3rd grade lit test is big (my 3rd daughter was tested last week and math tomorrow), also graduation consequences for HS.
A2 huge focus in the past. We tried 2 remain true 2 our goal of educating the whole child this year and dial focus on scores back
We also use our data to guide our PD. Right now our PD focus is SBG as well as incorporating literacy strategies.
A2 Depends on leadership. Have been blessed w/district & campus admin who believe Ss are not defined by a number/single snapshot
Former District is data -driven vs data-informed. https://t.co/CMJf3kI9Nv
Q2: How much value does your school place on standardized testing?
A2: in my observations HCS schools balance the importance to the purpose well. Proud of all.
A2: We do bc we have to. I'm more interested in instruction and learning. State tests are background noise https://t.co/XHLm01VuwI
A2: We do bc we have to. I'm more interested in instruction and learning. State tests are background noise https://t.co/ptrGNu52xl
A2: We do some test prep; we want Ss familiar with layout/Q type. They should be getting content day in & day out.
A2: Do any schools look at the Standardized Test along with other Assessment measures? 1 point does not make a line. 3 points do.
*****Q3 coming up in 1 min*****
A2: (continue) It also has a factor in our evaluations with value added.
You're lucky. Focus on the kids and learning. Don't waste the time. If I'm not doing my job, fire me. https://t.co/tcDu6Gfkn9
NYS hasn't instituted PARCC yet. There has been much talk about the future of testing. A1
A2:Testing is important as scores in HS opens up opportunities for Ss, but teaching and learning is first. https://t.co/BAwLe6pb9k
Q2: How much value does your school place on standardized testing?
Q3: How much pressure do teachers feel over standardized testing in your schools?
I like the distinction between data-driven and data-informed 🙌
A3:State of Iowa just implemented a school report card for every school with large emphasis on state test scores. Pressure is high
A3:We all feel some pressure.I try to focus on the learning that is taking place.We have to do the test but let's get it over with
The DRIP syndrome.... Data Rich, Information Poor
A3: Ts feel a tremendous amount of pressure, from our evaluationsto test prep of content and usage of testing devices.
in our system the pressure builds as you enter HS 9th-11th grades
A3 W/support of admin, try to convey to Ss all year-assessment= snapshot, chance to show what you know-Informs how we can improve
A3: Our teachers feel pressure to make sure our students are adequately prepared for anything they encounter-including testing.
A3 The whole month of April our 3 grade levels have been taking the PARCC-it has mentally drained our staff.
A3: If schools use a value add model with standard testing or a report card- stress will be high, productivity may suffer
How is graduation ties to tests? We used to have AL HS Grad Exam. No more.
Perfect way to put it https://t.co/spAKh7B3TB
A3: Our teachers feel pressure to make sure our students are adequately prepared for anything they encounter-including testing.
Makes my contribution/commitment in the classroom much more important.
A3: Some stress, but continual data talks and progress monitoring throughout the year fosters informed Ts. https://t.co/4N2rhVLebj
Q3: How much pressure do teachers feel over standardized testing in your schools?
A3: With the talk of our state going to evals tied to test scores, there has been more pressure lately.
Each grade level has to take 3 ELA and 4 Math. It has been a challenging month.
*****Q4 coming up in 1 min*****
A3 Pressure from stakeholders w/in community. Perception must change. It starts w/Ts & how we help our Ss build confidence & grit.
Ss take 7 major assessments with points values 1-5, need 18 by the ODE to earn a diploma.
Not to mention these are anywhere from 60-110 minute tests.
Bubba Tamez HS Principal in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
A3: our Ts want all our kids to do well so I think it's more of a stressor from wanting them to do well.
Holy cow..that is a lot of tests. Was this the first year it was implemented? Sorry..don't know much about PARCC.
Progress monitoring throughout the year enables Ts & Ss to gauge test performance.
Q4: How does your school prepare students for testing? Yearly review or one shot right before test?
Agreed- but when they are high stakes the research shows they do not benefit anyone.
A3: I think our teachers feel the pressure for their Ss to be well prepared for testing. However,the pressure seems to be rising.
Welcome! Glad you're joining us tonight!
A4:I'd love to say that by just doing our job,Ss are prepared but we bc the test taking computer programs require practice, we do
Yes! Not all are so fortunate & blessed w/ leaders who have learned to see the big picture. Snapshot vs. panoramic
Agreed- it is another learning curve for the students to manage
A4: Both, we try to infuse as much as we can throughout the year but also spend 2-3 "crunch-time" weeks prior to the assessments.
Wow! O-HI-O https://t.co/atq8UlD9Px
Ss take 7 major assessments with points values 1-5, need 18 by the ODE to earn a diploma.
A4: Benchmarking, Data Talks, Action Plans, Progress Monitoring, Blitz before the test. https://t.co/JZ7pZW17lc
Q4: How does your school prepare students for testing? Yearly review or one shot right before test?
review activities in most ELA and Math classes a month before testing.
A3: We had huge gains last year because of our consistent focus. That makes me feel it was a healthy level of stress.
A4: Our Stride progress monitoring quarterly has helped us to gauge our Ss test performance.
Us, too, Reuben. https://t.co/2LRbZunUpc
A4: Both, we try to infuse as much as we can throughout the year but also spend 2-3 "crunch-time" weeks prior to the assessments.
I don't think testing will go away but we are hoping for reform. A1
A4: Saw more of a push this year to incorporate test strategies in the classroom. Especially ELA and Math.
A4 Our students never take a test that is 90-110 minutes long during the yr.
In 5th we used continuous improvement quality tools to collect & analyze feedback. Ownership of own & collective growth.
A4:I went in classes during testing and I saw very little joy. Most Ss were working hard. Shouldn't school and learning be joyful
State assessments (Summative) at Grades 3-8 and then HS Regents exams.
AIR tests - ELA 9th grade, ELA 10th grade, Bio, Am His, Math I (9th grade), math II (10th grade), and Am Govt.
Agreed. We can make a difference. https://t.co/meJXWGj06v
I don't think testing will go away but we are hoping for reform. A1
A4 Due to the technology learning curve-students have to learn how to use the tools on the computer to take PARCC.
Q4: Our Ts teach the standards all year & allow Ss to practice test type Qs in context.
*****Q5 coming up in 1 min*****
A4) Benchmarks every 6 weeks and STAAR-formatted weekly tests.. https://t.co/Klhyu8meHh
Q4: How does your school prepare students for testing? Yearly review or one shot right before test?
Thanks for the book rec, Grayson! I'm putting it on my summer reading list!
A3: it is principals job to monitor stress levels of teachers. An adequate sense of urgency generates valuable intensity in school
need to improve on this. We have to constantly incorporate academic language in our ?'s https://t.co/cRDiqTrvVP
Q4: Our Ts teach the standards all year & allow Ss to practice test type Qs in context.
In Oklahoma, we remediate certain standards that are focus points of state testing routinely. 2-3 weeks prior to test we reteach.
Q5: Motivation for testing is different according to student age. How do we motivate students to do their best?
Testing had been tied into APPR-moratorium on it for 4 years now in NYS. A2
A4 Stations provide authentic real-world scenarios to engage in critical thinking/problem solving
Pressure is on unfortunately. Huge opt out of testing movement by parents on Long Island& across NYS now. A3
Big PD push on DOK levels in questions Ts ask Ss and questions on assessments
A5: Honestly, our students are not very motivated by Aspire. They see the ACT as valuable.
A5 Building rapport w/ Ss is key. Address perceptions. Change these & change reality. Help Ss identify strengths and OFIs.
A5: Motivation stems primarily from relationships built between students and teachers.
A5 - It's important to create a culture to strive to do our best in everything, all the time! Reward positive results routinely!
Emphasis on Teaching/Learning is the place to be. A2
Same https://t.co/BGz1v0iGIQ
A5: Honestly, our students are not very motivated by Aspire. They see the ACT as valuable.
A4: For the best results, it has to be a consistent focus all year. Teaching to test is not bad when it's a rigorous test.
A5: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. If you have a culture that fosters learning you have motivated Ss.
Ts dont go into the profession to help St pass a stand.test. Focus must shift from stand. test to the real purpose schools exist
A5 Build confidence by helping Ss be self-aware & to persevere. Continuous improvement quality tools-reflect & refine=progress!
HS students can love you and not really care about tests iike the ASPIRE.
A5:3rd gr has different testing "treats" for each day our Ss test. Tues-DoNOT stress over the test= Donuts.
A3 More than imposed by school admin. Culture of high stakes test permeates despite lack of admin pressure https://t.co/QtzYiECzuT
Q3: How much pressure do teachers feel over standardized testing in your schools?
Amen! Well said! https://t.co/6TKQVXJC4g
A5: Motivation stems primarily from relationships built between students and teachers.
A5: It's difficult but speaking with them and giving them a peep talk can boast their confidence on test days.
A5 Growthmindset...We are emphasizing effort and affirmations to help encourage our students.
A5: Continual chats with Ss about leading their own learning. Ss are often the largest untapped resource. https://t.co/cYLQbhlu38
Q5: Motivation for testing is different according to student age. How do we motivate students to do their best?
*****Q6 coming up in 1 min*****
I believe testing decade encouraged test prep that pulled teaching away from enriched instruction. A3
A5: It's difficult but speaking with them and giving them a pep talk can boast their confidence on test days.
Well, to get participation, it's part of the reguirement for sr. exam exemption.
Q6: What are ideas for motivating students to do their best without creating an environment of stress?
A5: Be positive about it. Make sure they know that we have high expectations. Don't talk negatively. Let them know they're ready
I am pep talking, I just am not sure it works when they do to see immediate consequences for poor performance.
A5 Reminding Ss to use positive self-talk.During announcements we remind them every day we believe in them! https://t.co/6wrYrN6Wa8
Thanks for your Southern Charm.
❤️ that about "Leaders of Their Own Learning"
A5: Motivation should stem from students' knowledge that teachers care about their success and well being.
A6: We had an Aspire pep rally complete with a T skit, band members, cheer leaders, & the whole nine yards.
good idea! We allow exemptions for growth in ACT scores. Why not Workkeys too?!?
I respect the "joy factor! Shouldn't we determine objectively Ss growth per year 2 implement strategies for improvement
A6: Creating a positive learning environment where Ss know that Ts care about their success. Pep rally, Ts skit, etc...
A5 This is an advantage of interim tests. Routine-this is how we do our thing. Norm of best foot forward. https://t.co/m5nhMwasdh
Q5: Motivation for testing is different according to student age. How do we motivate students to do their best?
Celebrate small steps to improve. Affirm effort w/positive feedback. Encourage when lack of progress-instill hope.
A6: You want to encourage Ss throughout the process, starting with test prep & ending providing a pep talks prior to testing.
A6: Present for Testing Ss received non-uniform dress day and admission to dance/social after testing. https://t.co/eyqr2e1eGo
Q6: What are ideas for motivating students to do their best without creating an environment of stress?
Much prefer Data Wise Practice not Data Driven Practice. Learn from what tests tell you, add it to your other reflection.
VERY important..practice makes perfect! Just like music it must be rehearsed before it sounds good!
A6: We do morning breakfast & do warm up at the elementary. I take all of the kids out for fun & get warm
A6 Beg of yr Ss create class/class period mission & norms (brainstorm, affinity, light vote). Improvement mindset-realistic goals.
Encouragement goes a long way! Important to say to Ss, "I believe in you." https://t.co/S3Z03EAGi0
A5: Be positive about it. Make sure they know that we have high expectations. Don't talk negatively. Let them know they're ready
*****Q7 coming up in 1 min*****
A6 - it can't start the week of test! Day 1 - test we must capture S's hearts! Motivate them everyday! Show them you care!
We do all of that.If PARCC gave results in a timely fashion and test represents what we want them to know https://t.co/NYoweGAzzt
I respect the "joy factor! Shouldn't we determine objectively Ss growth per year 2 implement strategies for improvement
Q7: With the idea that standardized test should not be the sole focus of schools, how can balance be created?
Though we R departmentalized N upper elem,all Ts work toward preparing Ss 4 how 2 communicate what they have learned on the test.
A6- oldie but a goodie, S's don't care what you know, until they know that you care! T's can't just care at test time!
A6: Great teachers work all year to instill student ownership in academic progress.
A6 Plus delta Ss feedback on delivery & quality of instruction/learning activities. Hear/value Ss voice. Used to make changes.
Ss present everyday of testing and put forth effort get opportunity 2go on trip 2skating rink/arcade work hard=play hard
A7: Never put all your eggs in one basket.
A7: Thinking outside the box, look at Golden Circle, asking the question of, "why"
A7: Importance of teaching student engaged assessment everyday in every class creates a culture of growth. https://t.co/32xQr4vXfq
Q7: With the idea that standardized test should not be the sole focus of schools, how can balance be created?
I believe so. I think Allie can help.
A6 Status checks (content), consensograms (perceptions), pre/post assess to develop PDSA cycle. Reflect, refine, & revise
A6: Our teachers conference with kids about their progress so they can set their own goals. This gives kids ownership!
I like this A LOT!!!! Thanks!
A7: If Ss are actively engaged in classroom and showing growth in their learning...how can one test deflate that progress?
Ohio Ts are using AIR & results are out until June. Not fast enough 2 make edu choices mid year, but better than PARCC
A7: Shout out to Weeden Elem! Loved the data notebooks and data talks between their elem kids!
A7 I truly believe that if we can engage Ss in meaningful learning the stand.test scores will take care of themselves!
*****Q8 coming up in 1 min*****
Hopefully, this year will be faster. The data is useful if received in a timely fashion. https://t.co/vzK3BujJGN
Ohio Ts are using AIR & results are out until June. Not fast enough 2 make edu choices mid year, but better than PARCC
A7 Social Emotional learning is essential to the growth of Ss Over-testing can negatively impact our Ss https://t.co/Lx5tGpXwev
A7 Invest in from start. Listen to Ss. Each one has story to tell. Valuable & key to making a difference. Then content.
This!!! https://t.co/NIcSbf0pab
A7 I truly believe that if we can engage Ss in meaningful learning the stand.test scores will take care of themselves!
Sorry I missed your chat! Will re-read and chime in later if I can! I'm sure it was great - super topic
Q8: How can administrators support students/teachers during the testing season?
I visited Weeden last week for instructional rounds. Great things happening. This is district.
read about this on the IP Ning. Amazing learning!
A7: We had our teachers write their own professional oaths. This keeps them connected to core values.
A8: We need to be the biggest cheerleader!
A8:Show passion and enthusiasm every day! Make Ss realize that they are the reason why we are here! Cheer them to the finish line!
Yes! Focus on the process & the end result will be success! https://t.co/Fkzwh8rKup
A7 I truly believe that if we can engage Ss in meaningful learning the stand.test scores will take care of themselves!
A8:I take all Groups out to warm up while Ts get organized. Sometimes take the Ss for more recess.Also be present to support tech
A7: We remind ourselves that we are not here to raise test scores but to make a difference in the lives of kids.
This is you! RT read about this on the IP Ning. Amazing learning!
A8 Bring positive energy every day! Remind staff and students they matter. Celebrate the successes! and of course food for staff!
A8: Admins should sit-in on prep sessions and engage Ss and Ts outside class with encouragement.
A8: Show testing matters by observing in rooms and monitoring rooms. Ss like it when admins show they care.
A8 Continue to communicate Ts & Ss worth & how it is not dependent on assessment results. Communicate w/ campus community too.
A8: Encouragers, supporters, cheerleaders, participate, get in the trenches and teach, flexible. https://t.co/V5iVDT1glX
Q8: How can administrators support students/teachers during the testing season?
A8: I want Ts & Ss to know everything they do every day is important!I stay present,encourage them going in,ask them how it went..
A8- Kids model adult behavior! Show confidence in S's & T's!Create ways to recall successes of S's & T's to ensure belief in them!
Agreed. We should work together. Positive and present. https://t.co/8iy8DPiL8Q
A8: I want Ts & Ss to know everything they do every day is important!I stay present,encourage them going in,ask them how it went..
*****FQ coming up in 1 min*****
A8: Thank them for their hard work ... and remind them that neither they nor their students are defined by test scores.
FA: What will you do differently based on tonight's chat?
the ultimate motivator...always chocolate! Lol!
Yes, much more than an old-school packet of worksheets w/ skills measured in isolation.
So important to say those words!
We must let Ts & Ss know we have confidence in their abilities. The test is an assessment, not the end all or be all.
A8 No surprise meetings or anything else that would put something else on the T's plate! Testing is plenty, no other burdens!
Amazing how food helps! It's like the golden ticket!
Of course food for staff! My favorite thing is to do a trailmix bar - make your own bag of trailmix. Big hit w/ Ts
FA: We are planning an ACT breakfast for next year. Continue to find ways to set goals.
Final A: I'm going to read the book recommended by
FA: Ts and Ss collaborate together always setting goals and working together for improvement. https://t.co/tsG6HF4hEL
FA: What will you do differently based on tonight's chat?
no kidding! The little things matter. Candy, snacks, extra break time, saying "thank you"
FA: Would really like to start some sort of breakfast or snacks for Ss and Ts. Testing can be draining...need brain food!
Baldrige Model of Continuous Improvement quality tools. Powerful if strategic/intentional/timely use. Life skills
FA: I want to get more ideas for how to motivate, encourage, inspire, and support Ss and Ts better next year.
FA: Going forward for the 2016-17 SY, refine my yearlong prep practices to reflect the content and questions on the assessments.
Ditto! https://t.co/eNlhWmgwku
FA: I want to get more ideas for how to motivate, encourage, inspire, and support Ss and Ts better next year.
That is a VERY good point! https://t.co/zya280MNAC
FA: Would really like to start some sort of breakfast or snacks for Ss and Ts. Testing can be draining...need brain food!
Continue to encourage others in testing grade levels & give my best each day to build(vertically aligned)foundation for Ss success
FA: Put more Hershey kisses in my bowl.
FA- I want to display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness &self control everyday!
Thank you for participating in our chat tonight! I got a ton of great ideas and am inspired to !
FA - FA - I'm blessed to have amazing T's and S's in Eufaula, Ok! They are awesome everyday!
