Post 5

Much of the reading this week focused on standards.  I know in my masters program, TCH program and my district  much emphasis is placed on standards.  I was glad this chapter offered some helpful strategies to teach with the standards in mind but to also do authentic teaching.  The suggestions on page 93 were especially helpful.

• Understand the scope and nature of high-stakes testing
• I see educators get really worried and stressed out when there isn't a real reason to worry.  If you are truly informed about testing then you should be able to tackle it and transfer that knowledge to your students.
• Weave test-like experiences  into daily instruction in a seamless and productive manner.  
• Again if you know the scope and nature of the test you should be able to prepare your students using daily instruction - not giving practice tests all the time but working with your everyday classroom to cover what you need.
• Correlate instructional plans with testing guides.
• I see these being used in my district.  Students get used to how the test will look, the format, question type, etc.  It helps ease the anxiety on test day.  I do feel that it can be another drain on resources but test scores are how schools are measured in our current educational climate.