Whether you are teaching in a distance learning or in a social distancing classroom (or BOTH), reviewing for the STAAR Writing test in your virtual and social distancing classroom is going to be more difficult than usual.
This school year has been unprecedented. Teachers have overcome the challenge of teaching virtually. Additionally, when students return to the classroom, teaching in a socially distancing environment creates more hurdles to overcome.
TEA has decided that schools will not receive rankings based on STAAR scores this year. However, does this help teachers feel less stressed about getting their students to pass?
No, teachers still feel the pressure from their administration and parents to ensure that students pass the STAAR tests this spring.
Now as we inch closer to the STAAR test. Many teachers are wondering, “How will I review for the STAAR Writing test in my social distancing or distance learning classroom?”
Teaching revise and edit strategies and expository writing virtually is a new concept for most fourth grade teachers in Texas.
We are used to putting students in groups to work on hands-on activities and pulling small groups of students to reinforce grammar and writing skills.
My hope is these STAAR Writing review tips will help you and your fourth graders this spring.
Considerations
Do you have virtual or in person students?
In this ever changing situation, it is hard to plan activities. Especially when students are going back and forth between being virtual and in person.
Therefore, it’s incredibly important to plan activities that are digital and paper/pencil.
Also, in the socially distancing classroom students have to be spread apart and have limited interaction with each other.
Of course, sharing materials is a big no, no. This is difficult for many teachers because we have games, task cards, and other review activities that we’ve been using with small groups for years.
When creating review materials this year, keep in mind they have to be accessible for all students.
I created a list of ideas that are FREE ways to review for the Writing STAAR test. These ideas will work in the socially distancing and distance learning classroom.
The Test
Will your students be taking the STAAR Writing test online or on paper?
School districts are required to test all students online by 2022. Many districts are choosing to start the transition this year.
It’s a good time because students are used to doing their work on devices, and it’s going to be a low stakes year.
Once you find out what version of the test your students will be taking, you will need to have your students review for the test in the same format.
My team and I decided we will be sending practice packets home if the district decides to give the paper/pencil test. If they go with the digital version, we’ll continue to assign practice questions virtually.
The Review
How will students stay engaged?
Perhaps the hardest part of teaching in a virtual classroom and/or the socially distancing classroom is the lack of hands-on group activities the students can participate in.
One solution to this challenge is using Zoom breakout rooms. Students in the classroom can have the chance to interact with virtual students.
Even if all your students are in person, you can still use break out rooms. That way students are working together while socially distancing from one another.
Also, interacting with students and giving them immediate feedback on their expository writing and strategies for revising and editing questions is important. Students will be able to make the corrections immediately.
For more tips on reviewing for the STAAR writing test, check out my blog posts on the topic: Teaching Expository Writing Virtually and Teaching STAAR Revising Strategies.
Which skills are most important to practice?
The STAAR Writing Test is different from the math and reading tests. One of the major differences is how it is scored.
32 points is a perfect score. The point breakdown is as follows: 16 editing, 8 revising, and 8 compositions (2 graders give a score 1-4). The passing score has been an 18 (that will most likely stay the same this year).
Looking at the breakdown shows us that fourth grade teachers should spend the majority of their STAAR Writing review time focused on the editing questions.
This means grammar rules are important!
After looking at released tests in more depth,it is easy to notice that there are particular skills tested frequently. For example, compound sentences- the use of a comma and a FANBOYS is the most tested editing skill.
What resources or activities should be used?
Picking the right resources to review for the STAAR Writing test is imperative.
I recommend checking out my list of 7 Ways to Review for the STAAR Writing Test. It includes activities that will work in the distance learning and socially distancing classroom.
Additionally, my STAAR Writing PREP Bundle includes 3 weeks of review in the areas of editing, revising, and expository writing. I am currently working on updating the resources, so it will include a digital version as well.
Check out this blog post for even more STAAR Writing Resources: STAAR Writing Resources Round Up
