#wyoedchat Archive
#wyoedchat is a great way for Wyoming educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Sunday March 13, 2016
10:00 PM EDT
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Thanks for joining us for
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Special invite out to tonight. She rocked PAWS testing
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Please introduce yourself to group, name, location and subject/role! Lurkers r welcome & soon 2 b sharing.
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Please RT questions so all R non WYO teachers can join in.
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We will use same format of Q1 A1 Q2 A2.
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Jordan from Sheridan. WY Girls School. SS/Tech integration.
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Hi, Wyo friends! Ann, TIS, reporting for chat duty from Billings!
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Dawn, Gillette, Jr High Business. Hi,
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Gerb 5th Grade Cody I like turtles.
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Nichole from Riverton, WY at Riverton Middle School and graduate student at UW, instructional technology
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Dave - Supt in Lander, WY
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Welcome. Glad u Sprung forward to
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Welcome. Glad u Sprung forward to :)
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Welcome. Glad u Sprung forward to
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Hey sir. Welcome. Glad u Sprung forward to
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Wayne, Casper, K-5 principal Good evening everyone!
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Sprung? Springed? Sprang? Yea, I'm glad, too!
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Welcome and glad u are here
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Welcome sir, Glad u Sprung forward to
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Hi everyone! Looking forward to the chat. Andrea from UW here.
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Hello all! Niets - Cody Tech IF
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Brian Redmond, band director, Rock Springs HS.
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Welcome. Glad u Sprung forward to Glad u made it back From Casper
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2 nts All @ State Testing? Lets get excitedddddd
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Nick Gallagher elementary principal Cody. Good evening
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Darrin, principal of the greatest HS in America, the
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Rachel Crawford sped teacher from Cheyenne
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Welcome and glad u dropped in
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Hi! Mattie, 6th grade, Billings --branching out from
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Ted Wambeke IF in Cody WY
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Vanessa SPED 6th grade Rock springs WY
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Q1. Have you started PAWS testing?
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Welcome to our neighbor from the north.
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Welcome! Glad is getting more Billings peeps involved!
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Welcome likes r MT neighbors joining in
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Thanks! I'm enjoying all the connections, insight, and inspo Twitter chats can offer!
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A1:Started and finished. :)
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A1) Yes! Off to a great start. Great time for kids to show what they know. Celebrate the journey.
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A1 Yes we started last week and have been trying to Spreaddddd it out.
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A1 yes. I think we are through most the reading. Math this week
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You go, girl! I love my WY friends!
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A1) No,I don't take too many standardized tests these days. I did take the band around and play at a few PAWS kickoff assemblies.
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A1 We tested 4 days last week and will test 4 days this week
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What does PAWS stand for in your neck o' the woods?
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A1 - thankfully at the HS level, PAWS is a non-issue - but building the digital Aspire schedule is another topic
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A1 testing for MT doesn't start till April. Sending good vibes your way!
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Q2. How do you get kids excited about PAWS?
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Proficiency among Wyoming students
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a1) Proficiency Assessment of Wyoming Students...
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Profiency Assessments for Wyoming Standards.
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Howdy Greg. Parent. Buffalo, WY (tardy fines paid in advance)
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A1: yes. Cramming it in before spring break!
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It is our state testing for the pre-HS students (I believe).
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I haven't seen any $$ Come on! :)
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A2 We talk about making themselves proud their families proud and show what they know
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Q2. How do you get kids excited about PAWS?
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A2) had a kickoff assembly(10 minutes)bigg message was do your best. You have been working on this all year. Chance to shine.
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A2: We do a pep assembly the week before with a fun skit about PAWS. We also hand out water and mints during the testing breaks.
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I've got a green dot too. Does it relate to being logged on ?
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Do you think they buy in??? How do you know??
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A2: We actually only have a few Ss this year. Fluctuates yearly.
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A2) The assemblies we attended had guests (us), videos, lots of encouragement to do your best, every answer matters.
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a2) some kids just love it! They don't need us to pep them up. It is the adults that are not the fans. :)
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YOu have to file the requisition forms (in triplicate) with the correct agency.
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thanks! and for the reminder!
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A2) If the tests are meant to be a measure of learning, shouldn't we really be getting them excited about EVERY day?
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I do. They work really hard and take it very seriously. Families tell me they talk about how hard they are trying at home
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Q3 How do you get parents involved in PAWS? Or do you
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Q3 How do you get parents involved in PAWS? Or do you
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A3) We always made sure they knew to get the kids to bed at a decent hour, and send them well-fed (and with snacks).
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A3: We send home a notice about the testing the week before, but other than that I don't know what we do.
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Buffalo, WY has a pretty good per capita turnout at tonight!
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A2: I know many of the elementary have paws buddies - kids write notes of encouragement, little snacks, etc.
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We offer free breakfasts for all students during the month of March because of testing. That way everyone gets a meal
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A2 I've done test-prep talk in class (sleep, snacks, confidence boost), but assembly is a great to boost morale school-wide!
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We have been serving in our middle school as well this year.
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A3 we send a schedule home with ideas about how they can help and encourage their children
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A3: Notes in newsletter encouraging Ps to encourage Ss to get good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast and try their best.
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A3 sent home "secret" note asking parents to write note of encouragement for their child to open the first day of testing
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A3) my two kids informed/reminded me about PAWS testing this time 'round.
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A3) Not sure. My own children haven't hit the PAWS age yet (2nd and K in my house), so I haven't seen anything yet.
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A3 We posted the test Question resource for parents that the state sent for Teachers...
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I've been thinking of asking parents to do this in our Q3 report cards for Q4 testing. Great idea!
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had some parents not respond so teachers or principal wrote notes
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We do the mints and granola bars during testing as well!
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a3) some classes have P write letter of encouragement. Key=perspective. This does not tell me how successful this child will be.
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Q4 What is the biggest benefit from the results you get from PAWS?
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Good idea to have some "extra" secret letters (principal?) in case there are kids who don't get one :-( https://t.co/FfNZ0FKiwN
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I've been thinking of asking parents to do this in our Q3 report cards for Q4 testing. Great idea!
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Before we lose everyone who has joined us from our of state on , PAWS is the state standardized tests.
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Thanks for the heads-up for a solution to a potential problem :)
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A4: I struggle with benefits of PAWS since we don't get them until the fall. We do use the info for class placings
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Q4 What is the biggest benefit from the results you get from PAWS?
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A4: Honest answer ... nothing. Don't get results until Ss aren't in my class anymore. MAP results more timely and useful.
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A3 classroom NL/blog keeps parents in loop about testing. NWEAs place 6th for MS, so valuable to have parent support
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Brutal honesty for sure...
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A4 the other issue is that the test changes every year and hard to compare when that happens
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- completely agree! MAP testing is far better and the results are instant!
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Not sure this fits a Q yet. But some Ss just get more stressed by "buildup" before PAWS.
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A4 growth and equity info on WAEA
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A4 Still waiting for the positives here.... Buellar Buellar ...anyone
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A4: Not PAWS, but any standardized test tells me where there may be holes in my curriculum. (Jessi, HS Science, 2016 MT TOY).
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A4 I use them to get a feel for my new class in the fall. Look at lease years results to adjust my own teaching practice
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On behalf of us parents who get no communication from Ts, THANK YOU for blogging & keeping Ps posted!! https://t.co/bfNInQS0Yw
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A3 classroom NL/blog keeps parents in loop about testing. NWEAs place 6th for MS, so valuable to have parent support
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Worth stating....for sure IMHO
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A4) I think there is benefit in the data for the district, however I don't get a lot of direct benefit from the PAWS testing.
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Great point. That is why our message has to be do your best and forget the rest.
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Or any standardized test!
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A4 Although late it's another piece of data to compare with MAP. Both can provide data over longer periods of time.
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Q4.1 So random question, what other feedback could we give to make PAWS more useful...
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This is a great addition in last couple years. Hoping to better understand it as time goes by. https://t.co/OYVO98l7tq
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A4 growth and equity info on WAEA
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A4) Patterns over time for teacher, school, district, state.
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A4.1. Faster. The faster you can give feedback, the more meaningful the test/lesson/activity is
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A4 - PAWS can give us indications of how a grade level/school did towards standards and whether we need more work.
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Yes, I am a little nervous about my son taking the test next year. He gets worked up over timed reading assignments.
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Isn't authentic data if S's responses aren't "natural" or if they're over/under "stressed" when answering the Qs. imo
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Q5 What would make PAWS more useful to our Students & Teachers?
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A4.1: Stop changing the test every year. Hard to get comparative data when test changes every year.
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Q5 What would make PAWS more useful to our Students & Teachers?
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Google sites make it easy to attach my print NL. Do MS/HS use or for Ss and Ps?
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yes. I remember the tension around egg-timers and hourglasses. and one-minute-math sheets.
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A5: Same answer as 4.1, faster results. It makes it difficult to work hard on it when the results take so long to come back.
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A5) More immediate feedback with a prescriptive "treatment" plan would be nice!
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A4 And even though the test might change regularly, comparisons can reveal patterns. https://t.co/xT4eGk2BVu
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A4) Patterns over time for teacher, school, district, state.
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Many do! This day and age, EVERYONE should use something!
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A5 Faster results and consistency in the test from year to year
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I really like this idea. If a school is blended or personalized this info could drive a Ss instruction. https://t.co/ZxdmSeaXsJ
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A5) More immediate feedback with a prescriptive "treatment" plan would be nice!
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A5 test taken closer to end of school year.
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A5 - Quicker results and sitting down with students/parents to explain results. Hopefully similar to what you see classroom.
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"Similar to what you see" in the classroom is really the goal, isn't it?! https://t.co/A3A63h276T
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A5 - Quicker results and sitting down with students/parents to explain results. Hopefully similar to what you see classroom.
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Having done SAT/ACT test prep, I suggest practice, practice w/watch for him prep & feel more confident
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A5) I liked the Oregon system, personally. Ss take test 3 times, best score counts. Reteaching between takes. Less pressure.
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WOW. How do they make time for that?
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A5) There's a clear deadline for S completing PAWS. Seems like the "authorities" can take forever to get results back.
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A5 Difficult to see improvement for Ss. Test is designed for school and district accountability. Ss needs are secondary
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He's settled into it, but the buildup will be something to keep an eye on next year, that's for sure.
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a5) Didn't one of the laws passed this session address many of our concerns. Sorry can't remember the #
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Join on Mon Mar 14 @ 8p PST. Chatting about Alternatives to Testing, Assessments, Exams, etc. https://t.co/KpDlhqUwak
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A5 Keep test the same for at least two years in a row
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Busy sorting PAWS booklets...Late to the party. Brant Middle School A/P.
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I've always been interested in the idea of have grade-shift happen immediately following the test.
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Q6 How well do we educate general public and school board on PAWS results? And how?
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A5 with any state test (high stakes) give us the data and results in a timely fashion to truly impact school improvement
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read 1st & last paragrph, 1st&last sentence of each paragrph for main ideas. skim/ski rest for time
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I believe this is year 3 of the same test. I may be mistaken but I don't think so.
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Worked on PAWS many years and the big changes (no constructed response, no computer, standard changes) all by pols or state BOE
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- About time you showed up!!
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Oooooh... interesting idea. Mixed ages in grades??
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Computerized tests, results report to teacher, minimum time set before next test. Who process took a couple weeks.
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I bet "distractions" from the buildup = helpful. Also breakfast around testing is *meh*. Learning happens all year!
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A6: Hard for me to answer that question because I have no idea!! How about it ??
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Oh good.... at least can compare a bit
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A2: We focused on getting our Ts excited. The Ss follow their lead.
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Q6 How well do we educate general public and school board on PAWS results? And how?
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Right now they're focused on reading accuracy and fluency. Good idea for as he's getting ready.
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I'm only half-joking when I mention child labor laws in this case. heheh
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A3: We talk about the importance of good attendance, good sleep, etc. Same things as should be happening all year long.
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yay! Another RMS Spartan is in the house :) https://t.co/fNdvlPmrLj
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We offer free breakfasts for all students during the month of March because of testing. That way everyone gets a meal
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I've found he's a little bit of a perfectionist. Also, doesn't like to be surprised by timer going off.
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A6 I teach 6th grade.. never know their results as 7th grade teachers get them
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A6 tough one. Seems everyone wants a simple ranking not a quality explanation
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A6 probably do ok with the board. Not so sure with general public.
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sorting PAWS booklets on a Sunday!!!
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A6: Sadly which schools scored best/worst in newspaper articles. School reports scores to Board. Parents get results in the fall.
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A6 general public is limited in their knowledge, for that matter legislators are too - we share data but could do so much more
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Q7 might be dangerous tooooo
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A5: That sound you heard was the can of worms just opened...
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- He leads a pretty exciting night life!!
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does he like to get things "right" the first time? probably pretty smart bloke, i'm guessing? things come easy to him?
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Seems like we need to improve how he share across the State.. just saying
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A6 ongoing - Its complex and people tend to not trust what is complex. When it can be simplified, we can do better.
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A6) Explaining the nuances of data trends can be difficult. Many just want to know if we "beat" ___ school.
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Q7 If a parent wanted to opt out of the PAWS test...what would be some things you would discuss with them?
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Q7 If a parent wanted to opt out of the PAWS test...what would be some things you would discuss with them?
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In the same year!...yikes. Already takes away too much instructional time as it is. https://t.co/4921dUJTIb
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A5) I liked the Oregon system, personally. Ss take test 3 times, best score counts. Reteaching between takes. Less pressure.
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I'm sure there's much fist pumping, hootin' and hollerin'! Yes! PAWS booklets! wooot!
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A7: We do use the results for placement the next year for remedial classes, so it is important to know where the student sits.
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Usually, although he does get distracted easily (7 yr old boy, go figure). Can get frustrated easily as well.
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A7) Is this an option in Wyo?
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A6: Regular conversations (we call them 'work sessions'. We are lucky that our board is really interested in learning.
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To be fair, not everyone took test 3 times. If you passed on round 1 you were done, instruction continued.
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Oh geeze. Nuance and significance. Difficult things with "objective" data. (I sometimes prefer astrology.)
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A7 reasons for why they want to opt out to see if can address in future.
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A7: Really a ?, not answer. If a P opts out, does that go against the school for their participation?
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Great Question...does anyon have the answer?
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I can relate! (although i'm a bit past 7, I think)
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A7 -According to WDE website - not an option in Wyo.
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Another great Q...Anyone know
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Additionally, this was about 8 years ago... system may have changed since then. :)
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any other Cans we need opened???
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I like the idea, but not sure I would trade the instructional time. https://t.co/NWeTY5obqL
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Additionally, this was about 8 years ago... system may have changed since then. :)
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was there stigma attached to test takers in 2nd and 3rd times?
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We usually get them early enough in the school year when we are changing schedules around anyway
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A7: and then tosses gas on the fire! https://t.co/xx4LKm3hkK
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Q7 If a parent wanted to opt out of the PAWS test...what would be some things you would discuss with them?
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A7 Opportunity to influence WY's ESSA talk to your legislator
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ers ...ebbbbddbbbdbdbdb (best Bugs Bunny Immitation I can do) Thats all Folks unless you have some Q's for the group
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A7: I am going to give them your email address and office number
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Agreed - was not perfect. I liked that the test process related back to instruction immediately, not next year.
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I have a ? not related to PAWS. If you had $10,000 to spend on technology, what would you buy?
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is just on edge because of having to sort PAWS booklets!!
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easy...Jetpack! https://t.co/WEz3X56vVt
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I have a ? not related to PAWS. If you had $10,000 to spend on technology, what would you buy?
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DO you have $10,000 to spend on technology?!?
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Perhaps in some areas. At our school, they were given additional help, retested and it was done.
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Programing tools...Dot & Dash, Ozbots...etc
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- no more iPads! Chrome books!!
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Photovoltaic panels. w/50 year warranty
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Be awesome and change the world gang! ers have a great week
U all ROCK
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or one of those cryo-tubs that the pro fb players use to recover after their workouts :) https://t.co/WEz3X56vVt
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I have a ? not related to PAWS. If you had $10,000 to spend on technology, what would you buy?
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I want chromebooks, but our district won't allow them. :( Have one at home and love it.
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Dude! I just got here! https://t.co/olConYesW1
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Be awesome and change the world gang! ers have a great week
U all ROCK
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AWESOME! :-D Coding/programming tools would be so cool! That's the future right there!
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- We have a classroom set that our Algebra class is working with. Amazing!
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Well u needed to hustle...lots of people have PAWS testing tomorrow and need sleep :)
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You just need to find a renegade admin to push for a pilot test. https://t.co/cx9KU8togo
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I want chromebooks, but our district won't allow them. :( Have one at home and love it.
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I was looking at Dot & Dash - do you think they are too young for jr. high? Something similar for 7-9 grades?
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- HHHMMMM, who would that be!!
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Why won't they allow them? Do they need to talk with someone who can convince them?? Our Tech Director is amazeballs!
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Shameles plug. Hope you can join us this June. Remember wydoe16 will get the first 150 in free. https://t.co/Pg5CXL3ptT
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I really hope your TD puts that on his/her CV. :-D
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it makes perfect sense with all the google docs and apps, good for SPED
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Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas, !
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- Night all! Have a great week!
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What if you got some old PCs and kids figured out how to install the ChromeOS on them? More learning! Yay!
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Have a great week everyone!
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HA! Well his name is . . . where do you think he got his awesomeness?! (the answer is Gillette)
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Checking out. Have a great week! Thanks for the great discussion.
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Have a great week everyone. Ted
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Good night all. Thanks for sharing.
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amazeballs is just a great word to put on a CV, no? ;-)
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Thanks for letting me join in! I hope to stop by again :) Check out with on Tuesday too!
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goodnight have a good'un!
