And the changes are showing results. For the two quizzes administered in this unit the class averages hovered around 80%, with above average scores almost across the board. There were some exceptions, however. The ELL students still lag behind their native speaking and bilinugal counterparts. Modifications for ELL students is something I really struggle with, especially because I face pressure to teach the vast content standards and "get students used to the language of the standardized test," which basically means give them practice questions from the standardized tests and watch them flounder in the confusing language (because somehow that's supposed to improve performance on the CST?). I could definitely put more energy into differentiation and building literacy for all students.
After the first exam it appeared to me that the students were doing horribly. Most of the scores were in the D and below range, and that was after curving. However, moving forward it looked like a different story. I gave the students feedback and have been working on making sure all work is corrected (whether I make corrections or the students correct their own work). I have been demanding justification for answers. We have been working on constructing more engaging activities and on applying knowledge and skills rather than just reproducing a procedure. These were things that were lacking in the first part of the year.
And the changes are showing results. For the two quizzes administered in this unit the class averages hovered around 80%, with above average scores almost across the board. There were some exceptions, however. The ELL students still lag behind their native speaking and bilinugal counterparts. Modifications for ELL students is something I really struggle with, especially because I face pressure to teach the vast content standards and "get students used to the language of the standardized test," which basically means give them practice questions from the standardized tests and watch them flounder in the confusing language (because somehow that's supposed to improve performance on the CST?). I could definitely put more energy into differentiation and building literacy for all students.
1 Comment
Lauren
11/13/2013 12:42:04 pm
Hi Alyssa,
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AuthorAlyssa Navapanich. Chemistry teacher in training. Archives
December 2013
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