Most students will take the final two big tests of the school year this week. A few have a few make-up tests left in the weeks ahead.
Yesterday students took the practice science MCAS to ready for these tests. I like the way that the test questions have become more interactive now that the tests are online. Those kinds of questions engage students more, use more visual images, and include less reading and writing with a focus on the big ideas. That's a positive change.
As students and I took the tests online together, I was happy to see that we taught the material included--that's good. Of course there are always ways to deepen and enrich that teaching and learning, and over the summer, I'll study students' test results and analyze the program to see what more we can do as a team to deepen the science program.
So today, I'll follow the directions, proctor the tests, and stay positive as students take the first of the two last tests. We'll all be happy to move on from test season even though the data will give us one important glimpse into student learning and teaching. Onward.
