And now that we have new Common Core standards, we have new tests for our youngin's to take. And if your state is like North Carolina, then your tests are horribly, unrealistically, tremendously difficult. I have been blessed with the opportunity to prepare my Integrated students to take the new Algebra I/Integrated I Common Core EOC. So, I taught my heart out and waited with anticipation for the new released test to be officially released to us. Oh how I looked forward to that day. I was so excited to see how prepared my students were going to be. How much this integrated curriculum that I truly believed in had prepared them ti kick this new test in the booty.
And oh how I was so disappointed... THIS TEST IS RIDICULOUS!! ESPECIALLY for a freshmen in Algebra or Integrated I!!
BUT... I am not one to back down for a challenge. I took this as an opportunity to prove to the state that my kids can do this. So I have worked for three weeks to prepare my students. Next week we will know how well this preparation has worked. I have reviewed concepts with them with mini lessons and assignments, played games, made foldables, and did three practice tests. There is nothing left that I can imagine I could do to help them except to pray.
So I pray that what they have given us as an example to study from is what the actual test will look like. I pray that my students will trust themselves and their abilities. And I pray that the state will put a HUMONGOUS curve on this test should my kids falter under pressure :)
So here's to you, new EOC exam! May your answers be easily identifiable and your problems be easy!
P.S. If any one of my readers desires some study material for your classes, please check out my store! I have several review materials and two 50 question practice tests all based off of the new standards and what our released test looked like. They have all been classroom tested as well! The exact pages are listed below and feel free to forward and pin if you feel others you know may be interested!
Grab Bag Review Game
Review Cards
Problem Solving Guide
Statistics Practice
Linear Equations Review
Practice Test #1
Practice Test #2
And oh how I was so disappointed... THIS TEST IS RIDICULOUS!! ESPECIALLY for a freshmen in Algebra or Integrated I!!
BUT... I am not one to back down for a challenge. I took this as an opportunity to prove to the state that my kids can do this. So I have worked for three weeks to prepare my students. Next week we will know how well this preparation has worked. I have reviewed concepts with them with mini lessons and assignments, played games, made foldables, and did three practice tests. There is nothing left that I can imagine I could do to help them except to pray.
So I pray that what they have given us as an example to study from is what the actual test will look like. I pray that my students will trust themselves and their abilities. And I pray that the state will put a HUMONGOUS curve on this test should my kids falter under pressure :)
So here's to you, new EOC exam! May your answers be easily identifiable and your problems be easy!
P.S. If any one of my readers desires some study material for your classes, please check out my store! I have several review materials and two 50 question practice tests all based off of the new standards and what our released test looked like. They have all been classroom tested as well! The exact pages are listed below and feel free to forward and pin if you feel others you know may be interested!
Grab Bag Review Game
Review Cards
Problem Solving Guide
Statistics Practice
Linear Equations Review
Practice Test #1
Practice Test #2
It is so-o-o sad that you have to take so much class time to prepare your students for tests. What are you having to sacrifice to do this?
ReplyDeleteActually, I choose to take that much time because I think it is beneficial in the long run. And I do not sacrifice anything actually.
ReplyDeleteFor example, when we studied systems of equations we did it three ways (two in the calculator and one by hand). I feel that for a first time through this material that is more than enough for any student to remember. And then, when we began our studying, I added in the last two ways to do that concept by hand. I feel that this adds in even more scaffolding than the Integrated curriculum already does!
So, it is like I teach the entire curriculum to the medium level and then as we review I take it to the hard level. This ensures full curriculum coverage while also focusing on comprehension. I have seen that this really helps with comprehension and retention :)