With STAAR on the horizon, many of you are wondering if all of your efforts will be evident and how will this reflect on you as a teacher.
Below is a list of tips from a recent training titled, Help! STAAR & My Newcomer. Don't tune out because it says 'newcomer'; these are good for ALL learners.
Tip 1: Create welcoming environment-SMILE
Tip 2: Set up a language-rich classroom-Your walls should be an instructional tool, not wallpaper
Tip 3: Don't assume-Just because Ss should have learned a concept in a previous grade does not mean they were here, understood English at that point, or mastered it.
Tip 4: Intentional, repeated use of academic language
Tip 5: Don't "waterhose" students with content-Focus on Big Ideas & Chunk content
Tip 6: Explicitly teach test-taking strategies
Tip 7: On-going practice-Embedded throughout the year
Tip 8: Accommodation awareness-Use them consistently & make Ss aware
