Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. -Einstein
Answer the items yourself
What knowledge base and processes were required? What did you have to know as readers and writers?
What thinking strategies were required to: Understand the question? Access information (in the text and background) essential for the response? Put information into words or match it with words on multiple choice questions? Self evaluate the answer for correctness, completeness and clarity?
Chart Types of questionsDemands on readers
Focus Questions
It makes sense to us that the strategies needed in test-taking would be better learned if they were part of the daily curriculum. -Kathe Taylor and Sherry Walton Children at the Center: A Workshop Approach to Standardized Test Preparation K-8
List possible ways to embed practice on those skills in ongoing good instruction – through read aloud, shared reading, guided reading, guided writing, etc. See chart..
How can these skills be used in a way that is authentic? How can these skills be fostered in a way that is interesting for the students? How can you help students see the purposes for these skills?
List possible mini lessons and practice sessions that are specifically designed to help students understand the genre of test taking. We also can add a list of successful instructional techniques.
Plan a mini lesson that is specifically designed to help students understand the genre of test taking.
Be ready to share the mini lesson you planned today. Bring the chart you co-create with your class.