Friday, May 11, 2018

STAAR

Parents:

The TEA has scheduled STAAR very late this year compared to others.  Initially this seemed like a great idea; more time to prepare students, correct?  Unfortunately we underestimated the power of "short timer's disease".  The kids are definitely ready for Summer and their effort on their classwork has been showing a decline.

Please talk to them about the importance of being proud of their performance on STAAR.  It's nothing to be frightened of.  It is like game day ... it's just time to "show what you know".

I am confident that each and every student -- even those that have at times struggled academically can be successful on STAAR.  I know that I have covered the necessary teks and reviewed and reviewed and reviewed those topics that have been confusing or challenging.

The MOST important thing your child needs for testing is to know that they can do well and it is in their control.

Students that use their time (they have 4 hours whether they finish in an hour or not) double checking and taking mental breaks will do the best.  Rereading questions and answer questions and looking back into the passage is key.

Students that remember to use their strategies (checking multiplication with a different strategy like drawing an array, repeated addition etc.) (checking subtraction with addition)(looking for direct proof).