Test Savvy: Making Sense of Problems Workshop Series
Series Focus:
Concrete strategies and tools to support students in unpacking constructed response questions (word problems) as seen on state exam questions.
Additional considerations: reading comprehension strategies, mathematical reasoning and justification, use of tools, and transfer from paper to computer.
Session #1: Why are word problems so hard?
Common Resources:
A) Problems to Revise B) Online Readability Tools C) 12 Strategies for Understanding Word Problems (Flipbook)
D) Granular View E) Problem Solving Interview F1) Problem Solving Interview Form - Google version F2) Problem Solving Interview Form - Microsoft Teams version G) Sample Interview Questions
Grade 3 - 5:
Featured Strategies:
Notice and Wonder
Worked Examples
Grade 6 - 8:
Featured Strategies:
Notice and Wonder
Worked Examples
Session #2: Making Math Visual
Grades 3 - 6
NYS Released Exam Questions Slide Decks
Common Resources
GRADE 6 - 8
NYS Released Exam Questions Slide Decks
Session #3: Metacognition Strategies
Agenda
Part 1: Continued Work
Test Guidance 2024 Scavenger Hunt (NYS Test Guidance PDF), Scavenger Hunt Document (editable)
What have we taught? (Will prompt you to make a copy.)
Part 2: New Ideas
Active Explain Your Thinking
Same and Different Word Problems (Grade 5 Sample, Grade 7 Sample
Word Problem Rework
Rate My Work (NYSED Released Items for Scoring Guides with Samples of Student Work)
Word Problem Think Aloud (Grade 3- 5, Grade 6 - 8)
What-ifs
Session #4: Planning & Strategies
AGENDA
Part 1: Continued Work
Test Guidance 2024 - What does it take to score a Proficiency Level 3?
Part 2: Getting Students to Lead the Learning
Teacher Tell Me (folder), Grade 4 Sample, Grade 6 Sample
iReview
Two Arguments (Sample questions)
What is it about? (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?)
BrainingCamp Video Short (BE CURIOUS or SEEKINGED)
Part 3: Strategies Made Into Routines
Evaluate the Choices
Additional Resources:
Session #5: Application Time
AGENDA
What kind of test taker am I?
Key Strategies:
Shoot Your Shot
Rework the Problem
Roam the Room
Making a Choice Board for Targeted Small-Group Practice
Getting Vertical - Adapting and Adopting “Building Thinking Classrooms” into Everyday Practice
Make n’ Take: Select 2 strategies that we have done and create content for your classroom