Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testing. Show all posts

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Test Prep Materials

I have finally come across some great NJ ASK test prep materials thanks to the before/after school tutoring program here at our school! There are still 5 months until the test, but you can never start preparing too early! I don't spend time cramming near the end, nor do I make testing a focus. I do, however, want my students to use test taking strategies throughout the year and to feel comfortable when they take the ASK the first time. I'm sure I'll be posting about this again as the test gets sooner, but for now here are some materials you may want to consider purchasing. (Keep in mind that I posted the NJ materials, and most of them also come aligned with other states' standardized tests too!)

Right now, we are using the following products by Triumph Learning:

New Jersey ASK Coach (Language Arts Literacy and Math Level C) for direct instruction

Ladders to Success Level C for math, reading, and language arts skills acquisition

ASK 3 Workout for Math and Reading review and extra practice

In the past, I have used Qworkbooks Explore series for language arts literacy and math.




Just a disclaimer: we have now moved to common core standards, so there may be some changes coming to the NJ ASK...but since we did not receive Race to the Top funds, who knows?!

Click here to download NJ ASK released test samples!





Do you have any materials or questions about the NJ ASK?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

It's SNOWING in October?!?

So I've had the craziest week...and today it gets capped off with 4-12 inches of snow and a wedding to attempt to get to tonight. This is my view out of one of the library windows. 

Most of this week centered around testing....YUCK!

First, I found out the I passed the Middle School Language Arts Praxis in addition to passing the MS Science and Social Studies tests last month!!! I am so relieved to have it done with! Now I want to get one more science credit for certification (stinks that most science classes are 4 credits though), 6 more for language arts, and I just have to send in paperwork for social studies. Then I'll have 5 certifications! You never know just what our governor might do to cause more job losses, so you can never be too "certified" or pay for enough pieces of paper.... On a bright note, at least he's not running for President!
Between the Praxis and grading, I am all tested out right now. Our reading and math series required us to complete diagnostic tests at the beginning of the year. We have 3 separate sheets to keep track of scores on - 2 for the whole class and one for each individual child. We also had to give a writing assessment last week. I have to give a math test every three weeks, but a quiz just about once a week. We have to give reading and spelling tests every week, and a unit test every 5 weeks.  I'm not even going to talk about the science and social studies tests or homework.

Don't get me wrong, I can tell a lot about what my students learned (at least in the short term) by giving tests, it's just that I spend so much time giving them and grading them that it affects my planning time! I feel bad enough for the kids (who are used to it by now), but is even harder to keep up with grading 22 of everything!

Anyway, I have to celebrate finishing MY testing...so I added a sweet $15 Target gift card to my 200 Followers Giveaway...not many entries yet so you have a great chance of winning!