Post-Test Notes, October 15

 Today we had our first math test of the year. I had the students fill out an exit ticket and thought you might enjoy the summary of their thoughts:

15 people felt the test was easier than they thought it would be. That's great! It (hopefully) means that they can see how I teach beyond the 7th grade curriculum standards and, in fact, they learned more than I needed to test them on.

16 people thought the test was about what they expected. That's great! It (hopefully) means that there were no surprises and they felt we had covered the material well until they were prepared. Of course it could also mean that they didn't feel prepared but expected to feel that way. While this isn't ideal, it might mean they learned from this experience and can work towards feeling more prepared in the future. 

2 people felt the test was more difficult than they expected. One of them admitted to feeling nervous because it was a test. This is a normal feeling that will hopefully abate when they settle in and learn some new mindful tools. The second person was absent for most of our week of prep activities in class; never ideal. It could also be that they were overconfident or didn't get their homework turned in for feedback? We shall see!

I also asked for feedback on the testing classroom atmosphere: (some voted for more than one)

12 people would have liked quiet (instrumental) background music

3 people would appreciate white noise

15 people like their testing room perfectly quiet, as it was today

7 people liked the idea of softer lighting

My takeaways from this feedback is a) can I work with Mr. Gacek, for the next test, to let the music and quiet people take the test in their preferred environment. My guess is that although it will mean switching rosters around for that day, he will be perfectly game. And b) When the students move into their preferred spaces for the test, I can have different spaces differently lit for them to choose from. Some students had no comment, so they will be flexible!

Test Results will be entered after conferences in order not to skew the results of what they have worked on so far. RETESTS will be discussed on Monday, October 20, and you will receive that information at the same time via a form to sign on that day when they are doing test corrections for homework. Yes, they may retest! We all learn at different paces and our intentions are to keep them all moving at their own pace. 

Meanwhile, don't forget Quiz Bowl this Friday starting around 9:15!  Mo ;-)