Dear Teachers,
As we approach testing season, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of best practices that encourage active participation and understanding from all students.
While test scores are important, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term success.
Therefore, I encourage you to utilize strategies that promote:
• Active learning: Go beyond traditional rote memorization and incorporate activities that engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Differentiation: Tailor your approach to cater to the individual needs and learning styles of each student.
• Authentic assessments: Incorporate assessments that go beyond test-taking skills and reflect students' true understanding of the material.
Remember, our district-wide strategy, SWIRL (Speaking, Writing, Interacting, Reading, Listening), provides a valuable framework for achieving these goals. By integrating SWIRL activities into your lessons, you can provide students with opportunities to:
• Practice essential skills across different modalities
• Develop critical thinking and communication abilities
• Receive valuable feedback that informs further instruction
Most importantly, I encourage you to embrace the process of learning through testing. By creating engaging lessons that expose students to the testing format while fostering their continued growth, we can ensure a successful testing season that showcases the progress students have made throughout the year.
On behalf of the Bilingual department, I wish you and your students all the best for the upcoming testing season. We are confident that your dedication and creativity will lead to a positive and rewarding experience for everyone.
Director of Bilingual Education
& World Languages
Michelle Pineda-Rodgers
Hempstead Union Free School District
516-434-4154
Click Link to Book time with me
