‘Tis the season to prepare for testing! Where are my English Language teachers at?! If you’re a WIDA ACCESS state, then you know that January – March is a HUGELY impactful month for our language learners.
The following timeline will help you get organized and ensure your students are prepared for this upcoming testing season.
December: Analysis & Preparation
December is the time to review prior test results. Use these results to work with students on goal-setting. Goal-setting can be done from Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
The more students are aware of where they are and how they want to grow, the more they can identify exactly where to place their energy and focus!
Additionally, December is the time to build out your testing schedule and identify what learners should have accommodations.
Don’t forget to get all of your own training and teacher professional development done too!
January: Practice, Practice, Practice
Add in daily, short routines that are DOMAIN specific. Students should be able to identify whether they’re targeting Speaking, Listening, Reading, or Writing within these routines.
January is also a good time to give students the opportunity to practice with the headsets they’ll use and the testing platform itself. We don’t want unfamiliarity or discomfort to get in the way of them showing what they can do!!
Start adding in calming music. Update the seating chart to match that of your testing week. Take the time to reteach classroom expectations of quiet, asking permission, and other classroom routines.
All of this practice should continue right up until the week you start testing.
Late January: Get the Message Out There!
Finalize that testing schedule! Let your building know what to expect. Explain how they can support you in this process.
Put up notices, add reminders into the weekly school update, and SEND OUT INFORMATION TO FAMILIES!
Test Week: Create the Calm
Set the stage for calm. Teach and practice easy grounding techniques. Give students the opportunity to use these leading up to the test and each morning of testing.
Double check all of the technology needed for the tests are working properly. Check on testing materials, review instructions, and get materials printed and prepared.
Build student confidence by using positive daily affirmations or growth mindset journaling.
Post Test: Celebrate!
Don’t forget to reward all of their (and your) hard work! Find a way to celebrate the end of this testing season with your students. Check out my post, “Let’s Celebrate: Easy Ways to Celebrate in the Classroom!”
This step is VITAL in reinforcing student motivation and building classroom relationships. Don’t skip it!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Check out the additional resources below. Whether you’re trying to build a growth mindset in students, get your teacher life together, or post uplifting signage around the room, all of these resources can play a role in preparing YOU and YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNERS for this year’s upcoming testing season!
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