I tried something new last year. I took samples of the writing and word work we did in class, blew them up and titled it "Here's how we learned it..."and made a huge floor to ceiling chart. Next to that I blew up released test questions in writing strategies and vocabulary and mounted it next to that. I labeled it "Here's What it Looks Like on the Test" It amazed me how many kids were able to connect the way we learn with the phrasing on the test.
I guess I think about this way: I have never met a person, adult or child, who could read and write well, that couldn't pass just about any reading test handed to them. Good teaching and A LITTLE constructive test strategy is enough. But the good teaching is the key. Kim On 7/3/07, Bill Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Beverlee Paul" <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > >And we could go a little further, maybe. For > > instance, what happens when the processes fall out of balance, for an > > individual? for a class? for a profession? > > You mean like the state writing tests? I have had major disagreements > with > some of the teachers at my school about this. Some believe that you > should > teach the structure and have the kids basically fill in the blanks. If > you > ever look at some of the actual test examples you will see that GOOD > writing > is NOT a key to a good score, but if you follow the format, you can get a > good score. I disagree with the process and say you can teach the format, > but you should also teach how to be personally expressive and write, not > just for a 20 minute test, but for a lifetime. > > If that isn't out of balance, I don't know what is...... > > Unless it's the teachers who teach how to READ for the state test and show > how to find answers, but NOT how to fully comprehend. There are a few > teachers on staff who believe that bilge.... > > Bill > > > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > > -- Kim ------- Kimberlee Hannan Department Chair Sequoia Middle School resno, California 93702 Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, let go of what you can't change, kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything, have no regrets.. Life's too short to be anything but happy. [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
