In about eight weeks, students will take the MCAS tests. Although we work all year to help students master the standards for these tests, the next eight weeks find us focusing in on mastery with lots of direct focus, teaching, and practice.
In some ways this is like a sports season--we're engaging in lots of exercises to prepare us for the final competition in the season--the tests. And to get there we are looking at every learner's individual profile as well as the team profile. What does each student need, and what does the whole team need?
When we arrive at the tests, we'll have a game focus in mind. I'll share successful strategies and we'll do the physical and mental prep needed to help every child do their best.
Once the tests are complete we'll move into a big focus on project/problem based learning with our signature end-year events including the fifth grade play, biography project, and global cardboard challenge. We'll then finalize the school year with celebrations via field day, field studies, and other special events.
I know there's lots of mixed feelings about MCAS. Nevertheless, we'll take a coaching and game approach to these tests and utilize the next eight to twelve weeks with that approach. Onward.
