Hit Me With Your Best Shot! - Taking on Testing Challenges

Practice How You Will Play!

In the great state of Texas, we are setting our sights on end of the year testing. Not only are we focusing on making sure we have taught all our TEKS, but now as a coach, I want to make sure that students are getting as many At Bats with test-like items. I also want to make sure that students are getting something more. The feeling that they can and will be successful. I want for all students to feel as though they are part of something important. I want them to feel like they are valuable members on a team all moving toward one goal. 

I am not a big sports person, but I learned something from attending UF. The PRIDE of the Orange and Blue is strong. When you are surrounded by people who all are moving toward one mission, who have shown up and have success on their mind, you are swept up in the momentum. The hope is that with practice and planning that momentum will move you toward victory.

Daily practice moving toward testing should include....FUN! Students learn better when they are happy and stress-free. Don't get me wrong, I believe in a learning environment that promotes routine and order, but that doesn't mean control, utter compliance, and for goodness sake...boredom.

There should be a mix in the classroom of guided practice, independent practice, partner work, and 1-1 time with the teacher. As a teacher, I become more of a coach, reminding students of strategies (plays) and motivating them to try and try again.

I also pay even more attention to the clock! Don't laugh, most state tests are timed. So students have to really know how to pace themselves and think of  the time on a shot clock. Testing is not always about mastery, it is often about strategy, endurance, and making the attempt. So I want students to practice, the way they will play on testing day. 

Time to Stand and Deliver!

End of the Year Testing Time

As a teacher I know the pressure of giving state tests. Of teaching your heart out until the cows come home and then hoping and praying and believing that your students would do well. As a first grade teacher, my students had to perform well on the CRCT in Georgia. 

When I moved to Texas, I stepped into a third grade classroom and had to learn not only the third grade curriculum, but also had to make sure I was setting my students up for success on their end of the year exams. It was a never ending process of teaching, analyzing data, reteaching, and providing as many days of quality instruction I could. I really believed in teaching every minute possible.

I think where so many of us get wrapped up in is the performance on the exam. Yes, I want my students to pass and excel on the test. But how are we getting them ready? Did we start the year out with high expectations, solid routines, and a classroom culture that is fun and rigorous? 

To get ready for what is expected at the end you have to really be laser focused. Begin with the End in Mind is not only a slogan, it is really the basis of backwards planning for success. That means not only the standards and skills, but also the feeling. I remember the feeling I wanted to have in the room. The excitement, the team building, the atmosphere that anything was possible, that we could do it together!

Now as I watch teachers prepare for testing, and I am looking more at data and projections, I want to remind myself and my teachers to not forget the very important part of the equation. The student. How are you going to motivate, encourage, and support your students? Are you offering incentives? Are you writing them a "you can do it" letter? Are you creating daily opportunities for students to feel successful? Are you stepping back more and letting students shine as the stars in the class? 

In your daily routine, don't forget to smile, hug, and welcome students. You are asking them to show up and show out! Just when you feel that you have nothing more to give, give more. I promise it will not be in vain. 

"Say it Loud...." - Blending Music, Education, and Culture

If you have noticed, most of my blog posts reference a song. I love music and so does my family. As a first grade teacher I wrote my first song for a school talent show to get my students excited about learning their Math Facts. From that time on, I used music, rhyme, and movement to spread positive messages in my classroom and community.

I would like to share my latest song that celebrates African American Heritage month. You can also find some of the other songs I have written in the past with the musical and technical support of my husband.

I hope you enjoy!

Teach to the Beat (MUSIC) - https://sites.google.com/site/teachtothebeatmusic/mp3

"Deep in the Heart of Texas" - Planting New Educational Roots

Soooooo, this blog started in 2012. At that time, I was a first grade teacher in Georgia. I had a three year old daughter and an eight year old son who attended school with me. I was deeply entrenched in the Common Core standards and all things lower primary.

Fast forward five years. I now live in Texas, my young son is now in middle school and my three year old is almost in third grade. I have stepped out of the classroom and the Texas TEKS have me doing a daring two-step as the AP of instruction for third and fourth grade. I have moved from a traditional public school, to a charter school.

Yes, a lot has happened. I have many insights to share and a few years to catch up on. I am ready to begin sharing with you, my journey  that is still very new.

Don't touch that dial! Life as a Texas educator, is just getting started!