Case
Pacing Crazy

The math pacing is seven units long. The last unit is called "show what you know" and does not require a pre or post assessment. The remaining 6 units do require the assessments. The present pacing of the math units and standards follow the rigorous trend but the standards clearly gives an end of the year expectation mastery deadline. Yet in the district teachers are forced to rush the students through multiple skills in six weeks then assess for mastery. The students are feeling the affects of the pacing as well. Performance in general is low. There is also very little time within the pacing to reteach and/ or recover other assessments.

Posted on: 10/25/15 | Views: 1475
Solution #1
Top Solution
To assist students with mastering the content according to the pacing that has been created by the state, it is beneficial to identify their area of weaknesses and address them accordingly. Once the area of concerns have been identified, teachers can also place the students in ability groups with peers who have exhibited mastery of the content to better assist those who need additional teaching of the particular topic. Being that research has shown that students sometimes learn better from their peers instead of the consist instruction of their teacher.

This is a great solution! This definitely gives opportunity to learn from someone who is not the teacher, but it can also build on other skills like social and communication! And if there is still help needed, a student can always be offered after school help announced to the class.

Thank you for this solution, it is very helpful! I can imagine it is overwhelming for both teachers and students during moments like this.

I agree with this solution

39 0
Solution #2
I would try to break down the units, into smaller chucks, trying to do more of the material in a large number of days.
9 2
Solution #3
I would identify the students strengths and weaknesses, then create ability groups. Students working cooperatively works wonders. Also, after finding out the students' strengths and weaknesses you can tailor the instruction to fit individual needs.
6 0
Solution #4
If I were in your position, I would break up the math work in smaller portions. A lot of times, when we try to cram too much into the student's brain, they feel rushed and get tired of it easily.
6 0
Solution #5
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
3 0
Solution #6
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
3 0
Solution #7
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
2 0
Solution #8
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
2 0
Solution #9
It seems that school's are constantly testing students. This inevitably has presented numerous debates and arguments. I think that it is sometimes crucial for teaches to test their students in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. It is useful for a teacher to cover material that their class may already know. On the other hand, material that has been found difficult for a class is important for a teacher to know in order to spend a little more time on that material or use different teaching strategies in order to make sure students master those topics that are a little more difficult. I think ability grouping can be a positive strategy for students to learn from their peers. However, it is crucial for teachers to create ability groups that are according to academic level(homogenous) as well as mixed(heterogenous) so that struggling students can learn from group members that may have a better understanding of a topic. Research does conclude that students benefit and like to learn not only from their teacher but their classmates as well! This allows for a more interactive and cooperative classroom where learning and instruction is provided by the teacher and students.
2 0
Solution #10
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
1 0
Solution #11
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
1 0
Solution #12
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
1 0
Solution #13
Why not try to take the Larger units with a lot of work requires to allow enough time for the shorter units.
1 0
Solution #14
I would try and give out homework that is "fun" but also will help them review these units/lessons. For example, maybe flash card games, or "game" or "code cracking" types of worksheets. I would also try and take short breaks throughout lessons to allow students to breathe and relax. Overworking the students will only stress them out even more and decrease their motivation.
1 0
Solution #15
I believe teachers should take advantage of the pre-assessment to identify students' strenghts and weaknesses.
1 1
Solution #16
Try incorporating review activities into each day. For example doing a warm up for bell-work or having centers around the room that students can go to for review if they finish classwork.
0 0
Solution #17
Definitely consider breaking down the unit
1 3
Solution #18
This is common throughout all subject areas. With the standards being so high and the students not being able to move as fast as the standards want them to it is becoming a huge problem. The students performances are showing the low grades, and unfortunately there is no time to go back over the content or reteach at the pace that the students need.
0 4