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.

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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

H) Worked Examples 6 - 8 I) Didax Virtual Manipulatives

Grade 3 - 5:

1. Why are word problems so hard?

2. Keywords - Forget about it!, Marisa Video

3. Featured Strategies:

   • Notice and Wonder

   • Show Me In Another Way

   • Worked Examples

Grade 6 - 8:

1. Why are word problems so hard?

2. Featured Strategies:

   • Notice and Wonder

   • Show Me In Another Way

   • Worked Examples

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Session #2: Making Math Visual

Grades 3 - 6

• NYS Released Exam Questions Slide Decks

  • Grade 3

  • Grade 4

  • Grade 5

• Grade 3 Macarons

• Grade 4 Super Soaker

• Grade 5 Walking

Common Resources

• Sample problem solving script, a modified version

• Sample of School-wide Problem Solving Plan

• Problem Solving Plan (form)

• Problem Solving Action Plan (template)

• POD vs. POW

• Article: Visual Representations

GRADE 6 - 8

• NYS Released Exam Questions Slide Decks

  • Grade 6

  • Grade 7

  • Grade 8

• Grade 5 Walking

• Grade 6 Smoothie

• Grade 7 Scuba

• Grade 8 Gift Cards

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Session #3: Metacognition Strategies

Agenda

Part 1: Continued Work

1. Test Guidance 2024 Scavenger Hunt (NYS Test Guidance PDF), Scavenger Hunt Document (editable)

2. What have we taught? (Will prompt you to make a copy.)

3. In Many Ways: Constructed Response Questions

Part 2: New Ideas

1. Active Explain Your Thinking

2. Same and Different Word Problems (Grade 5 Sample, Grade 7 Sample

3. Word Problem Rework

4. Rate My Work (NYSED Released Items for Scoring Guides with Samples of Student Work)

5. Word Problem Think Aloud (Grade 3- 5, Grade 6 - 8)

6. What-ifs

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Session #4: Planning & Strategies

AGENDA

Part 1: Continued Work

1. Test Guidance 2024 - What does it take to score a Proficiency Level 3?

2. TIPS for Online Testing

3. Sampler of NYS CBT

4. In Many Ways: Constructed Response Questions

Part 2: Getting Students to Lead the Learning

1. Teacher Tell Me (folder), Grade 4 Sample, Grade 6 Sample

2. iReview

3. Two Arguments (Sample questions)

4. What is it about? (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?)

5. BrainingCamp Video Short (BE CURIOUS or SEEKINGED)

Part 3: Strategies Made Into Routines

1. Multiple-choice in Minutes (template)

2. Evaluate the Choices

3. What are the Choices?

4. What is the Question?

5. True or False Word Problems (True or False Cards)

Additional Resources:

• 14 Tips for Test Taking Success

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Session #5: Application Time

AGENDA

1. What kind of test taker am I?

2. It is a points game.

3. In Many Ways: Constructed Response Questions

4. Key Strategies:

   • Shoot Your Shot

   • Rework the Problem

   • Roam the Room

   • Making a Choice Board for Targeted Small-Group Practice

5. Getting Vertical - Adapting and Adopting “Building Thinking Classrooms” into Everyday Practice

6. Make n’ Take: Select 2 strategies that we have done and create content for your classroom