Since I can never seem to be content with what I already have created and have ready to go, in typical "Shayna fashion", I've completely re-vamped my STAAR review. In the past, my school has always implemented a "STAAR Boot Camp" in which we stopped all regular classes for 2 days, pulled in all of our science and social studies teachers (in addition to some generous math and elective teachers) and held intense, focused cram sessions based upon our weaker TEKS as a whole grade level. Students would rotate from a science room to a social studies room doing fun, interactive activities in hopes that they may retain some of the info a few days later on the STAAR Test.
But this year, things are very different...
There will be no cram sessions as an entire 8th grade. Any and all interventions/reviews, etc... will be held during the class period with only our 2 science teachers. This has been a game changer.
More than ever, I decided that I must make the reviews that I do with my students, thorough and TEKS centered. I have to make sure that all of the 6th and 7th grade Supporting Standards are reviewed in addition to the 8th grade Readiness and Supporting Standards. No pressure, right?!?!?
So, I started doing A LOT of studying and organizing the resources that I had. And the final product is something that I am super-excited about. There are 4 review packets- one for each of the Reporting Categories. Each review packet provides students with a variety of ways to recall and review information that may be covered on the 8th grade STAAR Science Test. In addition, I've included a modified version that has reduced problems (when possible), reduced answer choices, and word banks (when possible). Students taking the modified version will still end up with all of the same answers as the regular version, so no additional answer key is needed. Oh, and did I mention...the teacher answer key is included as well. :)
Just in case you are thinking about purchasing all 4, go ahead and purchase the bundle at a reduced price and save some cash!
I have seen dramatic results in the performance of my students. They also go into the test feeling more prepared and confident, which in invaluable. For years, our passing percentage was in the mid to upper 70s. After using these reviews (and yes, I realize the population of students changes each year along with the test itself), we had 91% passing!! That's incredible. I've also had some great feedback from other teachers:
But this year, things are very different...
There will be no cram sessions as an entire 8th grade. Any and all interventions/reviews, etc... will be held during the class period with only our 2 science teachers. This has been a game changer.
More than ever, I decided that I must make the reviews that I do with my students, thorough and TEKS centered. I have to make sure that all of the 6th and 7th grade Supporting Standards are reviewed in addition to the 8th grade Readiness and Supporting Standards. No pressure, right?!?!?
So, I started doing A LOT of studying and organizing the resources that I had. And the final product is something that I am super-excited about. There are 4 review packets- one for each of the Reporting Categories. Each review packet provides students with a variety of ways to recall and review information that may be covered on the 8th grade STAAR Science Test. In addition, I've included a modified version that has reduced problems (when possible), reduced answer choices, and word banks (when possible). Students taking the modified version will still end up with all of the same answers as the regular version, so no additional answer key is needed. Oh, and did I mention...the teacher answer key is included as well. :)
Just in case you are thinking about purchasing all 4, go ahead and purchase the bundle at a reduced price and save some cash!
I have seen dramatic results in the performance of my students. They also go into the test feeling more prepared and confident, which in invaluable. For years, our passing percentage was in the mid to upper 70s. After using these reviews (and yes, I realize the population of students changes each year along with the test itself), we had 91% passing!! That's incredible. I've also had some great feedback from other teachers:
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