6. EOG Bootcamp

6. EOG Boot Camp

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

*A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision. Shared Vision

In eight weeks our students will be taking their End of Grade and End of Course exams. We are currently on spring break (a time to renew, relax, and play a little). When we get back, my teammate and I are planning a “change of pace” for our math students. Our “vision” is that our students will build confidence and engage in activities that allow them to apply their mathematical knowledge in multiple ways.

To date, we have introduced all the concepts associated with the exams. In addition, students have completed two benchmarks to illustrate their proficiency in the various areas. So once they get back from break we changed the format.

Each week we will start with a pre-assessment of the week’s focus. This will happen on Thursdays along with math games to support the content. Students will “unpack” the basics needed to complete this work. On Fridays, we are continuing our integration of art and mathematics where students are illustrating and creating products that illustrate mathematical understanding. Mondays include group problem solving based on a website called TenMarks. (TenMarks.com is a web 2.0 tool that provides high level questions for students to ponder based on specific curriculum.) Students will be placed in teams to analyze and illustrate their knowledge of problems, describe problem-solving strategies they use, and reflect on their work. Tuesday will be a day of direct instruction and includes a “problem of the day” that is multi-step and integrated. On Wednesdays, students will take a post-assessment of the week’s work.

We are starting with expressions and equations, moving to functions, then geometry and finally number sense.

We are focusing on multiple ways to solve problems, communicate their understanding, and illustrate mathematics in their world. We are excited about it. Our intention is to fill the walls with stars for each student who scores above an 80 on the weekly assessments. Together we are shooting for the stars.

Advice

1)    Working with students to prepare them for the End of Grade exams involves content and motivation. Teachers need to collaborate to make sure there are common goals and opportunities to celebrate. We want our students to believe they have the potential to reach the stars. Whatever the focus (math, science, language arts, social studies), teachers need to be intentional about sharing the information with students. So when planning, think about ways to motivate and celebrate student successes.

2)    Celebrate the progress of students. I saw a teacher use chart paper for students to place their names on various concepts to see where they are feeling about the information. There could be a continuum in the room that allows students to move their own stars along the continuum toward High Confidence.

3)    Celebrate the successes of students. We are making paper stars for students to put their names on as we complete the various weeks of “bootcamp.” We will use stickers and highlight successes along the way. Those who win the games, those who complete TenMarks with over 80%, those who create work will be celebrated and their successes will be displayed. 

4)    We are using data. Every week we are charting the success. During enrichment (part of Spartan time) we will bring students back to the class on Thursdays to receive remediation.