Who's up to their neck in data analysis and test prep? Did I just see all hands raised high-and did I hear that followed up by a collective sigh? I thought I'd take this blogging opportunity to give you some advice to keep you sane....during testing season. It's during this time of year that we are gathering boatloads of information regarding growth, needs analysis, and test prep strategy. Individual students and small groups are pulled from your rooms during your lesson for targeted test prep. What is it that you are able to get done curriculum-wise during this "testing season?" It can be a really stressful time. Many teachers I talk to have reached an emotional low point at this time of the school year. There is so much pressure to prepare and score high.
My initial words of advice are to be: organized, flexible and be open. Try to visualize that all of this is being done to help your students-and your school. Once you understand that-it may make the intrusions and such-a little easier to swallow.
Build relationships within your school community
Find other teachers that you can talk to. They may harbor the same feeling of being overwhelmed-you can really support each other.
Get informed
What exactly is going to be expected of you over the next few months. Do you need to teach certain skills? Do you need to amend your schedule? Do you need to post certain reference posters?
Take care of your students
This can be a stressful time for them, as well. Prepare them appropriately, and support them emotionally. Test-taking strategies are vital to their success. Be sure they know how to read and understand directions. Teach them strategies to help them eliminate answers and narrow their focus to find the most right answer. Pacing is very important in standardized testing. If/when you are doing practice tests-set a timer to ensure students know that they need to work at a certain pace. Other stress-reducing activities for students can include relaxation exercises like visualization techniques, positive self-talk, deep breathing. (Trying to make the test-prep "fun" can also help.)
Finally-Give your students information about the tests themselves. Why do they need to take them? Why should THEY care? make your responses about THEM, not you. :)
*Speak your mind!
What are your suggestions for how to manage your emotions and experiences as well as those of your students during testing time? Please share your ideas.
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Here are a couple of my favorite testing resources:
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/htmls/sample_books.htm
http://www.psae-prep.com/psae-elementary.htm
-contains vocabulary 3/4th graders should know....very thorough site
http://www.thewritingsite.org/exemplars/index.asp
-writing anchor papers
http://www.teachnology.com/ (sorted by strand)
http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/computing/web_quests/math/
-math webquests
http://jc-schools.net/terranova-res.htm
-test prep/tips/printable and online practice tests
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/TCAP.htm
-printable practice tests
