happytobreathe
The Lazy Days of Summer
Member since 10/06 1413 total posts
Name:
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Special Education Students and Standardized Tests
What are your thoughts? Next year, I will be teaching a bridge 2-3 class. I am so nervous because I know some of these kids cannot make it. They are reading on a Kindergarten level. Any suggestions? What strategies do you teach? What accommodations do you make?
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Special Education Students and Standardized Tests
I teach special ed and I honestly think it's cruel to hold my students to the same standards as everyone else. They struggle SOOO much for the state tests. It takes away from other things we could be doing in the classroom.
I am not saying they should be exempt from taking ANY standardized tests- there should be a way to assess how the students are performing compared to others state-wide..... but I do not believe they should be assessed by the same criteria.
In many of my students' IEPs it says they need to work on multiplication skills.... subtracting with multiple digts.. (lower level things) ........ And for ELA, they need to work on identifying the who, what, where, when, why- of a story. The tests they take are on a MUCHHHHHHHHH hight level!!!!! It's unfair, in my opinion.
We prepare by using a lot of graphic organizers, tricks for memorizing the steps for math problems, etc.
I hate teaching to the test but there's really no other choice since their grades are a strong reflection on my school, and on a smaller scale- my teaching!
ETA- Also want to say, as far as accommodations for taking the test, it will say in their IEP which accommodations the are entitled to. We practice the "test mode" routine in the room prior to the test where they position their desks according to the test procedure, etc., and then they take a practice exam. That way they are acquainted with the "feel" of the test. Other than that, I give them a lot of love and support so they don't stress out TOO much and we usually have a "yay it's over" celebration the next day!
Message edited 3/6/2009 10:17:29 PM.
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Special Education Students and Standardized Tests
i don't stress it... i teach them what they need and approach the tests with a very laid back attitude. if they are 2-3 years below grade level, it is not expected that should do well on a grade level test. it's not fair to them, or me.
my kids get modifications and accommodations based on their IEP... examples are:
1. extended time
2. a scribe
3. questions read
4. directions read
5. separate setting
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