#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
Hey there #caedchat! Todd, elementary principal in the OC...getting back from Spring Break and heading into SBAC season...looking forward to a great chat
I'm John, an instructional coach in Southern California, and we are almost through Wave 1 (CAASPP) and almost into Wave 2 (AP). Needless to say, it is exhausting.
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Thanks for joining us, Maddie. You are about to join the most amazing profession on Earth, and we look forward to hearing what you contribute to tonight's #caedchat
Rachael, joining tonight for a talk on testing. Middle School teacher from Placentia Yorba Linda- we officially start SBAC next week but for some kiddos the testing has already been much longer than a season #caedchat
Hi everyone. I'm a student teacher in a high school in Hayward, receiving my Masters and Teaching Credential from UC Berkeley. We are in the begging of testing season #caedchat#MUSEdigped
So much going on. Our Bike-a-Thon is in May also so the reward incentive parties are going on throughout, assemblies. We have a lot of support going on as well. I bring in snacks. I prep them to not stress. #caedchat
A1) We continue to explore a variety of testing calendars to attempt to diminish fatigue. Otherwise, my school is just a fun & inclusive place to learn and that doesn't stop just because we are testing! #caedchat
A1: some schools have pep rallies celebrate the chance to “show what you know”. Some engage Ss in enrichment activities or special assemblies #caedchat
I agree wholeheartedly with this statement...
School should not stop being a fun place just because we are testing...
Testing is but a small part of what we do.
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A1) We continue to explore a variety of testing calendars to attempt to diminish fatigue. Otherwise, my school is just a fun & inclusive place to learn and that doesn't stop just because we are testing! #caedchat
We have done 4 days straight before for SBAC, including performance tasks. This time we are doing a Tuesday-Wednesday testing block for two consecutive weeks. Students will be pulled for makeups while the rest of the school carries on normal schedule. #caedchat
Unfortunately it seems to be an individual teacher thing. Some teachers really work on building test motivation while others just want keep protocol and not change anything.
A2: I certainly don't let testing define my students or me...We need to look at the whole picture. You can't cry success or failure when it is just one "chapter" #CAedchat
A2: This is where you strive for that balance...part of the day testing coupled with highly-engaging activities that give students a chance to explore, create, and collaborate the other parts of the day.
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A2)As a social science teacher in CA, content testing pressure is removed for now. That doesn't mean we should skate, learning in my classroom is based on skills that support all aspects of ELA, my content is just the vehicle/lense. Love this! #caedchat
My A2 really lies in this tweet, as it can be so hard to remember that we are not (or should not be) defined by a test.
#caedchathttps://t.co/SFSabqQRBL
Hey there, you hard-working and dedicated teacher. During this testing season, please remember that a standardized test does not define you, your students, or growth you have been measuring all year.
Keep doing great work to make your time with students meaningful.
A2)As a social science teacher in CA, content testing pressure is removed for now. That doesn't mean we should skate, learning in my classroom is based on skills that support all aspects of ELA, my content is just the vehicle/lense. Love this! #caedchat
A2) It's super important to let your students know and understand how testing does not define them. Be open with your Ss about your thoughts and big picture goals. #caedchat
A2) I think that balance is the key word there. Thinking about how to create engaging and meaningful curriculum that develops transferable skills #caedchat#musedigped
Very true. And, with a lot of emphasis being cross-curricular on the tests, *all* subjects should be supporting the ELA and Math teachers to prepare for testing. Those tests are no joke!
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A2: It's 2 weeks (or more for a few). I view it from the S/family perspective. I'm pulling for them but it's an annual 1 time window. We're K-8 so I see meaningful data over time. There's plenty of inspiration across my other 43 weeks with them. #CaEdChat
A2: It's easy to get caught up in the testing, but its important to balance the day out with breaks and activities that will get the students thinking and learning about other things. #caedchat
Remembering that major testing is ‘usually’ every 3 years and Ss attention span is 15 minutes. So realistically, scores are not supposed to be high #caedchat
A2 it can be hard with four rounds of district benchmarks and state testing. I make try to make units hit many standards to maximize time and make the learning is as relevant, fun and engaging as possible #CAEdChat
This is when you have teachers claiming that they aren't "reading" or "math" teachers...if we want to keep our great programs, we ALL need to see our role in using our subjects/classes to support these skills.
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Very true. And, with a lot of emphasis being cross-curricular on the tests, *all* subjects should be supporting the ELA and Math teachers to prepare for testing. Those tests are no joke!
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This is great to hear. Even though I'm a math/science teacher, I still strive for my students to learn good expressive writing in these subjects. #CAEdChat
#caedchat A2 How holistic is the learning experience? Do Ss integrate mind, body, movement applying what they learn? That’d give Ss an avenue of releasing the stress of stationary test taking.
A2: the adults must remember that the Ss are looking to us to set the tone. We must realize our stress about testing has an impact on the experience for Ss. #caedchat
A2: the adults must remember that the Ss are looking to us to set the tone. We must realize our stress about testing has an impact on the experience for Ss. #caedchat
#caedchat A3 2 years ago it was about sending kids to school rested with a lean breakfast and a bag of sweets. Something about candy to perk ‘em up midway. Is it like that still?
A1: some schools have pep rallies celebrate the chance to “show what you know”. Some engage Ss in enrichment activities or special assemblies #caedchat
A3: I try to get them to have a balanced attitude. Take it serious, work hard, do your best. But don't stress out. It just goes along with the mindfulness I try to teach all year long. Testing time is no different. #caedchat
A3 set up critical thinking skills early, also skills to formulate answers & defend positions. Practice meditation & stress management skills, test taking strategies, plan fun activities to hold during testing window, bring snacks, remind them that is is just 1 data pt #CAEdChat
A3: Difficult for HS Ss, but getting enough sleep night before is important. Provide water and snacks to keep blood sugar levels up during exam. #caedchat
A3: I asked them to vote whether to review or continue as usual and take it cold. All 5 classes voted review. Mentally, I told them this does not define anything about them. That what I’m looking for is perseverance, thinking outside the box, & making sense. #caedchat
A3: As I grew into my career, I realized that "test prep" no matter how fun, was intimidating. So I stopped.
Instead, we intentionally did *not* focus on the test, or the prep. We had learning to do, and I wasn't about to be defined by a test.
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A3: As I grew into my career, I realized that "test prep" no matter how fun, was intimidating. So I stopped.
Instead, we intentionally did *not* focus on the test, or the prep. We had learning to do, and I wasn't about to be defined by a test.
#caedchat
That, and I have a big bowl of mints available when they need to be "refreshed." You'd be surprised how far that goes in lifting their attitudes and focus. #caedchat
A3: I begin to shut down curriculum. I do general math review. Especially concepts covered late in the year. Late for us can be August. I make it more like a talk. What could they ask you about this shape? Engage. No homework. #caedchat
A1: Been thinking about this lately. Wondering how Ts attitudes towards testing creates almost a self-fulfilling prophesy about students lack of achievement on high stakes tests (ie district benchmarks, SBAC, etc)
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Absolutely agree. I do zero test prep. The work we've done throughout the year stands on its own during test time (or not). We already take too much time to test. I don't need more time taken by prepping for it. #caedchat
A3: As I grew into my career, I realized that "test prep" no matter how fun, was intimidating. So I stopped.
Instead, we intentionally did *not* focus on the test, or the prep. We had learning to do, and I wasn't about to be defined by a test.
#caedchat
Plus, if you really think about it, how is that time best used? 4 weeks of test review OR go deeper into content throughout the year?
As the guy who started #WYRmath, that's an easy Would You Rather...
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A2) Our Ss are influenced by what we prioritize. If we prioritize teaching to the test, we are sending them the message that a test score is all that matters. I agree with @milafpaige that it's all about teaching transferable skills. #caedchat#musedigped
#caedchat A3 Maybe a poster session where Ss present their learning.. peers can help each other fill gaps. If they’ve at testing a while the novelty of method may create more synapses..
A3 One year I had my students create a video for other students about test taking tips. It was lots of fun & a great way to prepare. #caedchathttps://t.co/AQxqUTSbWS
A3 One year I had my students create a video for other students about test taking tips. It was lots of fun & a great way to prepare. #caedchathttps://t.co/AQxqUTSbWS
A4: Testing should NOT be an all day endeavor. We're doing our work the rest of the day. It's not different than the rest of the year. De-emphasize that testing is a monster. Keep it in check. #caedchat
I am going to shamelessly plug this, but we started using some of the activities in @TableTalkMath so parents could help with "test-prep" by asking kids thought-provoking and relevant questions at home
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A4. I try to always go to the bathroom before walking into the exam room. I don't want to waste anytime worrying about my bodily needs during the test. #CAedchathttps://t.co/W1gbCzpEEf
Kids see math as something not only done in schools...and if parents can make it part of the conversation, students are getting practice without even realizing it.
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I am going to shamelessly plug this, but we started using some of the activities in @TableTalkMath so parents could help with "test-prep" by asking kids thought-provoking and relevant questions at home
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Well now Todd, you're making me blush. Thank you for believing in the message that #tabletalkmath brings to the table; I really appreciate it.
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A4 passion projects, content aligned RPG games, Ss create new PE games and test them. Ss interest lessons. Practice speech and debate skills, most everything is hands on, also run a life skills unit around this time that they really get into #CAEdChat
A4 This is a difficult question because I always try to keep my class very quiet on test days so we don’t disturb anyone. Learning in my class tends to be LOUD! #caedchat
A4 This is a difficult question because I always try to keep my class very quiet on test days so we don’t disturb anyone. Learning in my class tends to be LOUD! #caedchat
A4)On testing days, I want Ss physically active/minimal writing. I am always in Civil War unit so we do a tableau activity with Civil War photography. Low stress & sometimes comic relief! lesson shared here https://t.co/bViVSpTvcs#caedchat#sschat
SIGH #caedchathttps://t.co/5PTygS3IJM The pressure to raise test scores has become so strong that testing often degrades instruction rather than improving it. We have to use tests wisely.
OK. Now. Hear me out.
I'm going to challenge you all to make your answer to Q4 the same *throughout* the school year and not saved for testing season.
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#caedchat A4 Circa 1960-74 classrooms had windows. Provided respite to me. Many of the schools where I participate in #EdCamp have only walls. Might Ts & Ss collaborate on window art to refresh brains w/creative expression?
A4)On testing days, I want Ss physically active/minimal writing. I am always in Civil War unit so we do a tableau activity with Civil War photography. Low stress & sometimes comic relief! lesson shared here https://t.co/bViVSpTvcs#caedchat#sschat
#caedchat A4 Circa 1960-74 classrooms had windows. Provided respite to me. Many of the schools where I participate in #EdCamp have only walls. Might Ts & Ss collaborate on window art to refresh brains w/creative expression?
@rcollins_edu Thanks for sharing this resource! I agree with keeping students physically active + creative outlet. Something totally different than the rigidity of testing. #caedchat
A4)On testing days, I want Ss physically active/minimal writing. I am always in Civil War unit so we do a tableau activity with Civil War photography. Low stress & sometimes comic relief! lesson shared here https://t.co/bViVSpTvcs#caedchat#sschat
A4. I allow my students to create some of the questions for our non-graded formative test from https://t.co/BnXED3szCs. They write the state tests. #caedchat
A5: I have often encouraged my staff to try new strategies to implement next year...with the pressure being off, this is a great time to try a new idea (PBL, Genius Hour) or a new program (@Flipgrid@breakoutEDU)
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A4 Karla at NAS Lemoore. As Sci7 class, I plan labs or an @amplify engineering units so students are active, collaborating, having fun because they are interested. My home room is allowed to sit as they test since lab tables higher. #caedchat
A5) I call trick question! I think if you create the right culture the rest of the year, this question pretty much disappears. Intrinsic motivation/learning never stops! #caedchat
A5: What a concept! Our year winds UP, not down. We have student-led conferences, Open House (where we perform Shakespearean plays), and graduation. The year is definitely not over. #caedchat
IMHO ever since NCLB high stakes testing began, which may have been introduced to “close the achievement gap” may very well have become an activity that increases the “opportunity gap” especially in schools with high levels of poverty. #caedchat
A5 the end of the year is all hands on learning for me and is also when students take over a lot of the jobs required to run the class, they take a lot of pride in have earned so much responsibility and ownership that they tend to stay fairly well dialed in #CAEdChat
Great suggestion, students perk up and feed off of the teacher interest in trying something new. I always get more from kids when I share the purpose/teacher reasoning for carrying out said strategies/lessons. #caedchat
A5) The high engagement levels must continue. The learning and skill development continues, if we as teachers let up/check out/ or count down so will they! #caedchat
A5) I call trick question! I think if you create the right culture the rest of the year, this question pretty much disappears. Intrinsic motivation/learning never stops! #caedchat
Q5 lucky that science is a dynamic class where we always have so much to learn and design: pancake engineering, comparing sand (natural, kinetic & magic), discovering why biosphere project failed. #caedchat
A6) Be flexible with your plans. Testing can look different from day to day, year to year. Testing windows will likely extend longer over predetermined schedules. Go with the flow and roll with it. Major curriculum can ease up during those days #caedchat
A5: Again that “feeling” is initiated by the Ts. If they don’t communicate that “feeling” in their thoughts actions and words then kids won’t. Continue to seize the day. Each one is precious. #caedchat
I'm with Karen on this ... grades as a motivation for Ss in poverty usually does not exist. The closer to state testing the more erratic behavior I see in my students. #caedchat
Do anything with your students that is hands-on (screens-off), creative, and exploratory opposite testing times. Keep creativity and innovation at the center of learning. Never forget you are working with children--not testing robots. #creativity#innovation#caedchat
A5) Energy is low since spring break, so testing is not helping. We just set up to have their final projects showcased at a local exhibit. Hoping this makes the learning feel real and exciting. In general, it's been a great time to do SEL activities too #caedchat#musedigped
A6: Be engaged and active throughout the entire testing session. Walk around, encourage, get at eye level when they have questions. Be positive. (As if any of this wouldn't happen on a regular day). #caedchat
The advice given earlier:
The same kinds of activities during testing season — done during the SchoolYr when it isn’t testing season. -JohnStevens
#CAedchat
A6 be calm, give them a mint if cleared by nurse, mediate as a class a little before testing, make the rest of the day fun. Don’t look at the test. It will only give you high blood pressure. Don’t hover over kids. #caedchat
A6 My first year teaching I remember feeling surprised at how well the kids tested. It made me realize that they are always learning & not to stress so much about scores. #caedchat
A6: Don’t kill the Ss trying to cram everything in. Give them time, lots of it. Journaling prior to tests seems to provide a level of calmness and students benefit from that. #CAEdChat
Thank you all for joining tonight's edition of #caedchat. May you find the joy in this testing season, as it has its advantages, depending on how you approach it.
Have a great week!
A5: our exhibitions are deliberately a few weeks after testing. There is nowhere to hide when you have an authentic audience waiting to see your end product. #CAEdChat#PBLchat#PBL#rm222
