blog 4

As an 8^th grade teacher, who is constantly bombarded by the data driven classroom we all well know that tests are not the only objective assessment for student learning but it truly seems the only one that matters to the state of North Carolina.  The first Benchmark test my students took only 45% of them passed.  Just by conversation and the work that they did in my class told me that more than 45% understood the material that was being taught.  I’ve found that sometimes students really don’t care about the test itself.  Other methods such as exit slips and even jeopardy games were helpful in making assessment about whether or not my students understood the material.    Also digital portfolios have been essential in assessment in the classroom.  The great aspect of digital portfolio is that it builds from lesson to lesson so students have an opportunity to look back at previous material and see how much progress they have made.

I don’t believe that tests are the only objective assessment but I do believe that all students need to be able to test adequately.  Test may not be the only way but it has been a proven way.  But even as 8^th grade math teacher and understanding what each child needs to pass the state test.  We have been taught to teach material, but also teach the test.  For example if 3 out 5 goals or objectives make up 65% of the test, then where do you think the majority of our focus will be.  So therefore students can learn only 3 goals and pass the test yet have not mastered all they need to move to the ninth grade.  So testing and student learning are not synonymous but relative.  I honestly believe that my students truly learned the material but it was through constant small assessments through smart responders.   So it was constant data driven curriculum so therefore when the test came it was only a reinforcement of all that we have gone over.  Eventually those same kids that finished the year at 93% after starting at 48%, I can say that my students had an adequate understanding of objectives necessary to pass the end of grade test.  Honestly testing in math is completely different from testing in other subjects.  So objectivity can be relative to subject. 

blog 3

Blog 3

A technology infused classroom, what does it look like?  I hope honestly that it would look like my current classroom.  On the left side of my classroom there is a accelerated math station, this is where students can control their own pace of study.  If they have an understanding of an objective they are able to move forward and if not they can keep getting questions on the same subject matter.  On the right side of the room there is a computer station this is where we use study island, discovery education and games to reinforce lessons/objectives that are taught daily.  In the front left area of the classroom there is a television and front center the smartboard technology stations.   This is where lecture and hands on interaction takes place in the classroom.  Last but not least the smart responders are used throughout the lesson to ensure the comprehension and retaining of information that is being taught in the classroom.   Technology-infused classrooms are not optional the 21^st century student must be prepared to compete in a world that is littered or polluted with technology.  How can we prepare a generation for technology without it?