Benchmarks

So our TAKS benchmarks weren't so hot. Actually... that's an understatement. It probably has something to do with the fact that 3 of the 25 questions on the test were not anything we had studied yet (physics) and that some of the other questions were... well, questionable. But still, I want my kids to be ready for this test. I want them to be confidant and know that they are capable.

I talked with my students about the whole situation today. We discussed a plan of action and decided we don't really like how they cram TAKS down our throats 3 weeks before it happens. My students actually told me they want to know what's going on now.... so I gave them some options and something we came up with was having TAKS days.

First, a TAKS practice test would be offered for all those students who can succeed without even attending 8th grade. We know they will pass and so do they and they do not want to be bothered with silly little assignments. These will probably be my GT kids and some of my high achievers. But, I want to make sure that some kids who won't get EVERYTHING right are rewarded also. I will break the test down into objectives so that if you make a 90% or higher on a particular objective, then you will not have to be present while we go over it. (This will also keep those students from doing what resembles the potty dance in order to get my attention to call on them... or blurting out every single answer.) Also, these students will not just have "free days" but they will be doing another activity that is science related... possibly in groups... we will see how it works out.

I think we have decided that once a week, we are going to to TAKS stuff. We will review an objective and/or some strategies for taking tests. Along with this little activity, I am going to have them take some little quizzes to find out their learning styles and personalities just so they can be aware... and also to break it up a bit.

This isn't going to take away from our other activities because we have decided that if we get in a bind or need to pick up the pace, we will just skip a TAKS day.

The best part of this is that I really felt like some people were not giving me their full view on the ideas we had so I gave them all index cards and told them to write whether or not they liked the TAKS idea and if they thought they would be interested in taking a pre-TAKS test. I also had them give me reasons. Well, I got a lot of positive feedback. Many of my kids wrote things that made you wish you could take the test for them. Some wrote that they were scared and some wrote that they don't want to be in 8th grade next year so they want to pass. (This year they have to pass math, English and either history or science.... I, of course, tried to convince them of all the reasons science will be easier:P) I'm so glad we took some time out to do this. I feel like they are happy to kind of take control of their learning... and isn't that what we are hoping for anyhow?

I just have to share one student's comments. He is my Aspergers kid. Even though it is an anonymous thing, I know from his handwriting and his comments that it was him. He is super smart and will probably be one of the students who gets to sit out on TAKS day. Anyhow, this is what he says and it makes me giggle because he is so smart, so honest, and you can tell that he wants the class to succeed.

"Yes, the TAKS review can be helpful for enabling us to do well. Our bench mark bred unimpressive results. Spreading the practice out is easier."

It definitely stood out among the all the responses.

Anyhow, so we are going to have TAKS day and even though I know that I never wanted to teach to the test, I have decided that the test is coming... no matter what, and I want to help my students do their best. Plus, there are always going to be formal tests... geez, I had to take them just to get this job! So, these techniques that we go over will follow them for the rest of their lives... not just till TAKS... and again.. isn't that what's important?

Happy Halloween!!!! -coach b!