We are done with EOCTs! Well, we finished about 2 weeks ago and are now taking finals but we are still done! In Georgia, like every other state, a end of the year test is given to assess student understanding. I scheduled about 7 days of review this year and then two weeks before the schedule was changed were I had 4 or 5 days with each class depending on when they took the test. I initially freaked out but calmed down and then was glad we had a limited number of days of review--reviewing can get pretty old for all parties involved. About 1 month before the EOCT, I gave each student a 14 front and back page packet that had 56 different pages of review. It was so big and used so many of my copies I had each student sign a form that they had received it--no extras here! They initially freaked out but I assured them that we would finish it before they realized it. I also gave each student a score sheet were I would sign-off each page as they completed it. Before the big test day, I collected just the sign-off sheet and it counted as 2 quiz grades. I was worried that students would try to forge my signature so I started by making it super personal but that took forever so I just initialed them. No student forged my signature--or at least that I picked up on! I do recommend using a big packet but only if you check it frequently, give your students work from it consistently, and check over the answers with them every time. I also want to mention that I just checked for completion and begged them to correct incorrect answers--it does not help to have a review packet with all the incorrect answers. The students mentioned that the packet went quickly--a page or two a day really pays off! As we completed a page, I posted the answer key on my bulletin board. That way, they could always refer to that to check answers in case they missed a day or had additional questions. Another teacher posted her outside her room (I have had issues with students swiping answer keys outside my room so everything remains inside.) The key to a large packet is to make a doable and to assure students you are not giving them a 56 page packet they had to complete and turn in a month later. They will procrastinate and it will be a headache for you, for them, and their parents.
2 Comments
5/31/2012 03:47:03 am
Nice blog and nice post.....I like your blog. Best of luck....
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Natalie Turbiville
7/29/2012 12:19:41 pm
Thank you! I love what I do!
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Natalie Turbiville
Educator who loves math and working with students. Archives
May 2016
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