#mdeschat Archive | Participate

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:00 PM EDT

Welcome to #mdeschat, we're discussing test prep tonight. Please introduce yourself & tell us what comes to mind when you think of testing.

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:01 PM EDT

I'm Chris, an elementary principal in Maryland, when I think of testing, I think of stress #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:04 PM EDT

Good evening all! Greg- 2nd grade, #TeamFelegy. When I think of testing, I think of high impact. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:04 PM EDT

We'll be using the Q1/A1 format, remember to add our hashtag to your tweets #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:05 PM EDT

@jazzmeister2013 welcome back, Greg! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:05 PM EDT

@principal64 Thanks, Chris! Hope all is well. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:06 PM EDT

Question 1 is coming up! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:07 PM EDT

Walt, principal, Hyattsville, MD. Checking in after a long day. #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:08 PM EDT

Hello! I'm LaRae, Elementary Principal from Kentucky. When I think of testing I think stressful 10 days. #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:08 PM EDT

Ken from Berkeley CA. Checking things out #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:08 PM EDT

@WalterReap hey Walt, good to see you! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:08 PM EDT

@LaRaeWhitely welcome, LaRae! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:09 PM EDT

@21stCenPrinKW welcome, Ken! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:09 PM EDT

@LaRaeWhitely @21stCenPrinKW @WalterReap Welcome all! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:09 PM EDT

Q1. We'll start with an important question. What IS test prep? Let's see if we agree. #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:10 PM EDT

Andrea. Educator for Educators. Stopping in for a bit but then have an appointment to read with a 3rd grader. #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:10 PM EDT

@principal64 Hey Chris, glad to be checking in! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:11 PM EDT

@jazzmeister2013 @LaRaeWhitely @21stCenPrinKW <= good company right here! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:11 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora thanks for stopping in! #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:11 PM EDT

A1 encouraging students to do their best #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:11 PM EDT

A1. Test prep is a combination of exposure to test format and a review of the standards to be assessed #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:12 PM EDT

@LaRaeWhitely an important aspect that can't be overlooked, encouragement! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:12 PM EDT

A1- Test prep can be a wide range of things. Interaction w/ test format; building intrinsic motivation for success… (pt 1) #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:13 PM EDT

A1.test prep is using test format items as part of regular instruction and assessment. #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:13 PM EDT

A1: Test prep is good daily teaching/learning that takes place. It's intentional and specific to what Ss need to be successful! #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:13 PM EDT

A1 the best prep is meaningful content created by teachers #mdeschat https://t.co/BCu7Ov6jMk

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:14 PM EDT

A1- Review of content, develop study habits, etc. Most of all, it’s what takes place daily as part of daily instruction. (pt 2) #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:15 PM EDT

.@21stCenPrinKW @WalterReap meaningful and intentional, important points for test prep! #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:16 PM EDT

A1. Best test prep happens in the instruction. Clarity and relevance. Content that provokes insights #mdeschat https://t.co/m74PrgAWkr

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:16 PM EDT

Test prep is embedded daily sound rigorous instruction. #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:16 PM EDT

A1. Part of daily instruction is important so as not to create anxiety for Ss. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:16 PM EDT

Question 2 is coming soon! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:17 PM EDT

@HelenMateosky good to see you, Helen! #mdeschat

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:18 PM EDT

Delighted to dialogue! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:18 PM EDT

Lots of common thoughts around test prep being connected to daily instruction, nice! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:18 PM EDT

Q2. How should schools prepare students for state testing? What do you think works? #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:20 PM EDT

A2- Make the process as stress-free as possible. Be encouraging, be supportive. Continue providing HQ instruction that… #mdeschat (pt 1)

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:20 PM EDT

Love this visual! Made me think coherence! #mdeschat https://t.co/QkTqqLBgxB

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:16 PM EDT

A1. Best test prep happens in the instruction. Clarity and relevance. Content that provokes insights #mdeschat https://t.co/m74PrgAWkr

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:20 PM EDT

A2- …supports learning, growth, and success. (pt 2) #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:20 PM EDT

A2 I think test prep should be a review, not new instruction and should incorporate student encouragement. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:21 PM EDT

A2. By ensuring coverage and spiral review of the standards throughout the year, rigorous instruction tied to relevant daily work #mdeschat

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:21 PM EDT

I want kids to make their learning visible through various formats, testing is just one way.#mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:21 PM EDT

A2. Effective standards-based daily instruction. #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:23 PM EDT

A2 We can't forget the adults! This also should be an opportunity to say thank you for your hardwork. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:23 PM EDT

Question 3 is about to launch! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:25 PM EDT

A2: Build assessment literacy so Ts understand WHAT is assessed; create a meaningful context for Ss to build stamina and skills. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:25 PM EDT

Q3. Whether you are in a Smarter Balanced or PARCC state, what are the challenges of preparing students for these assessments? #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:26 PM EDT

A2. Ts should be able to apply PLDs in daily instruction and translate for Ss. #mdeschat

vanlynn75 Apr 7 @ 8:27 PM EDT

@LaRaeWhitely #mdeschat It should also be relevant to experiences they encounter each day

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:28 PM EDT

@vanlynn75 hey, it's Vanessa! Yay! #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:28 PM EDT

A3. What are you looking for? #mdeschat https://t.co/Ne7zopuffF

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:28 PM EDT

A3: helping Ps understand testing. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A3. connecting prep to instruction and making sure students have time to practice with the tools & technology #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:29 PM EDT

A3 1/3 of my population is ELL students, making background knowledge and vocabulary development difficult. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:30 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora good point, many parents are unsure of the significance/need for testing #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:30 PM EDT

A3: The challenge is understanding standards; how will Ss be assessed? How to plan rigorous/meaningful instruction for all Ss? #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:30 PM EDT

@LaRaeWhitely good reminder, background knowledge impacts the success of many students #mdeschat

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:31 PM EDT

Challenges arise when technology is used to show evidence of learning. This holds true for many students who lack daily access.#mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:31 PM EDT

A mic drop situation right here! #mdeschat https://t.co/Z7oN4c5w2Y

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:28 PM EDT

A3. What are you looking for? #mdeschat https://t.co/Ne7zopuffF

vanlynn75 Apr 7 @ 8:32 PM EDT

A3- Building teacher capacity for instruction in order to exceed the rigor #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:32 PM EDT

@HelenMateosky that's one of my biggest worries, are we testing knowledge or computer skills? #mdeschat

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:33 PM EDT

Very hard to tease out Chris... Unfortunately. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:34 PM EDT

@vanlynn75 very true, are our teachers confident and trained to get their students ready for testing? I sure hope so! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:34 PM EDT

Question 4 coming in a few seconds more! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:35 PM EDT

Q4. Is test prep more about exposing students to the format & tools of the test, or is it about review of the standards? #mdeschat

mrterborg Apr 7 @ 8:36 PM EDT

@Gueri11aEd #gueri11aed @GSTEM_PG @t3pgcps #mdeschat @ALALibrary #librarylife https://t.co/LBBG2tZdrH

NeeshaR Apr 7 @ 8:33 PM EDT

Q3 We find core standards come alive and inspire Ss when framed using global issues. #GlobalEdChat @LevelUpVillage

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:37 PM EDT

A4 Enough said. #mdeschat https://t.co/q99H1kJ6hh

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:38 PM EDT

A4- Test prep shouldn’t be singular in focus. Understanding tech, format, and content being assessed is important, but… #mdeschat (pt 1)

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:39 PM EDT

A4- assessment should support instruction. Instruction shouldn’t be tailored strictly to the test. Building intrinsic… #mdeschat (pt 2)

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:39 PM EDT

A4. Probably a balance of both, but each school is different, some can spend more on format/tools if standards have been covered #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:39 PM EDT

A4: Test prep should be about preparing Ss to think critically/apply skills when interacting with unfamiliar content. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:40 PM EDT

A4- …motivation is equally as important. Ss have to understand and own that they can achieve no matter the challenge. #mdeschat (pt 3)

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:40 PM EDT

A4: should be more about tools & format. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:40 PM EDT

@WalterReap great point, students need to be resilient during testing #mdeschat

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:41 PM EDT

Format is important for our kids success but more important is the daily teaching & learning that should be the core of our work.#mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:41 PM EDT

@principal64 @WalterReap Resiliency is so important, and is a skill that takes time to develop. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:41 PM EDT

Question 5 is about to go live! #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:42 PM EDT

A1 Test prep is really just a summative assessment....a really big summative assessment encompassing all. #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:42 PM EDT

A4: Exposure/building skills; in order to hit a curveball you have to see curveballs in practice, learn swing mechanics, etc. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:42 PM EDT

@WalterReap Yes. Developing strategies for success. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:43 PM EDT

@HelenMateosky it really should be, but many students will struggle with the testing format and tools, never enough time for both #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

A4 Test prep is really just a summative assessment....a really big summative assessment encompassing all. #mdeschat #mdeschat

LaRaeWhitely Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

A4 Test prep is really just a summative assessment....a really big summative assessment encompassing all. #mdeschat #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

Q5. The average school spends 20-25 hours a year on testing (2.3% of classroom time). How much time should be spent on test prep? #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

@jazzmeister2013 @principal64 I love this concept and think about how it is vital from the perspective of both teaching/learning. #mdeschat

raleshevich Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

So sad I missed most of this chat given topic. #formertestingguy #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:45 PM EDT

@WalterReap @principal64 Absolutely. When Ss have gained this skill, and really begin to own it, amazing happens. #mdeschat

AACPS_Zamora Apr 7 @ 8:45 PM EDT

I would like to see the term "test prep" used less. Ss often think learning stops for test practice. #mdeschat

kellyteach6 Apr 7 @ 8:45 PM EDT

A4, I think it is both. Exposure to the format and use of online tools and review of key content that Ss may still struggle with #mdeschat

raleshevich Apr 7 @ 8:46 PM EDT

A5: none. #mdeschat https://t.co/a43OXD9Jm1

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:44 PM EDT

Q5. The average school spends 20-25 hours a year on testing (2.3% of classroom time). How much time should be spent on test prep? #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:46 PM EDT

@raleshevich we missed your expertise, Randy! #mdeschat

vanlynn75 Apr 7 @ 8:46 PM EDT

Q5- strategies should be embedded into instruction naturally each day so it not perceived as "test prep" #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:46 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora good point, it should be seamless/ integrated #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:47 PM EDT

@kellyteach6 thanks for joining in! #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:47 PM EDT

@AACPS_Zamora Such a good point! Assessment should support the daily instruction. Quality, rigorous instruction builds success. #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:47 PM EDT

A5. Hmm no time for test prep if authentic instruction is taking place #mdeschat https://t.co/gMLZfQFCWB

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:48 PM EDT

@raleshevich ooh! You jumped in with both feet! What about students who have little experience with the technology tools? #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:48 PM EDT

A5: The more literate we are about the assessment, the more teaching/learning aligns w/ daily instruction the LESS "prep" needed. #mdeschat

kellyteach6 Apr 7 @ 8:48 PM EDT

@principal64 #mdeschat Your welcome. I love joining in on the conv. But usually am late. Little ones @ home. :)

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:49 PM EDT

@WalterReap Precisely. They should not be mutually exclusive. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:49 PM EDT

A5. The time should depend on student need, minimal if instruction is strong & consistent, but students will need practice w/tools #mdeschat

raleshevich Apr 7 @ 8:49 PM EDT

A5: test prep=discussing problems with students and talking through how you would solve problems together. Not practice testing. #mdeschat

kellyteach6 Apr 7 @ 8:50 PM EDT

#mdeschat A5 Never really thought about a time but I like to spiral review in daily through warm-ups and morning meetings.

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:52 PM EDT

A5 why do we keep asking Ss to give answers when we should motivating them to ask questions. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:52 PM EDT

Question 6, our final for the night, coming up! #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:53 PM EDT

@21stCenPrinKW great question, hopefully that is happening every day, but we know testing is often disconnected from instruction #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:54 PM EDT

Q6. Is it possible to prepare students for state testing without developing a negative testing-centric culture? How do we do that? #mdeschat

raleshevich Apr 7 @ 8:56 PM EDT

@princpal64 agree it is helpful 2 discuss why highlighting your whole page blue may not help u better understand what u just read #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:56 PM EDT

A6. Of course, it requires school leaders & teachers who have a healthy perspective on testing, main focus on quality instruction #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Apr 7 @ 8:56 PM EDT

A6- When you take away any fear of failure, test stress dramatically reduces. When Ss believe they can, they will. #mdeschat

21stCenPrinKW Apr 7 @ 8:57 PM EDT

A6. Not possible because we don't teach dinosaur #mdeschat https://t.co/kGTKBMvfa8

HelenMateosky Apr 7 @ 8:58 PM EDT

We need to communicate that testing is one spoke of the wheel for evidence of learning. It is not the entire wheel. It has value. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:58 PM EDT

@jazzmeister2013 awesome, another vote for motivating students and telling them they can do it! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:58 PM EDT

A6: Yes, when testing can be part of the sequence of learning not the end of learning, what to do next can be intentional. #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Apr 7 @ 8:59 PM EDT

Thanks for joining in tonight, it's obvious that our children are in good hands! #mdeschat

raleshevich Apr 7 @ 8:59 PM EDT

A6: the massive time involved in rearranging schedules because of rules & security makes it hard not 2 look at it as a production. #mdeschat

vanlynn75 Apr 7 @ 8:59 PM EDT

We need to honest & reflect on our teaching practices. It's ok not to be perfect. Set goals,meet with like minded colleagues #mdeschat