How to Raise Test Scores It’s not Rocket Science

T each for the Test, Not to the Test  Teach life skills  If it’s not worth teaching, it’s not worth testing  There is nothing on the test that should not be in the curriculum  Create bridges between students natural intelligences and learning styles.

E xpect the Best; Accept No Less  Each learner is unique.  Approach learning through different pathways.  Expect everyone to achieve.

S tructure With Cooperative Learning  Research has found that cooperative learning is the number one strategy for increased student achievement.  Students need to work frequently in small groups to improve their ability to be part of a team effort

T each test-taking Strategies Explicitly  Test-taking skills are a metacognitive strategy that empowers students.  Teachers teach students how to be good learners as well as good test- takers.

S tress Prelearning Strategies  Learners use what they know to help them understand something new.

C hunk the Material for Deep Understanding  Teach students to look for similarities, common groupings.  Attach meaning to a subject by linking it to something familiar.

O rganize with Graphics  Displaying things graphically, students must organize large amounts of knowledge.  Makes students think visually.

R eflect Through Mediation  Use questions to probe for what students do not understand  Think aloud activities

E xpress Idea with Mnemonic Devices and Visual Cues  Remembering lists, e.g., states  Remembering data, e.g., formulas  Remembering rules, e.g., i before e, etc.

S eek Student Choices in Learning Situations  Teachers can establish broad parameters and still give students choices.  When students are interested in knowing something, they are much more likely to learn it.