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Posted on March 15, 2015 5:18 pm
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Hytabu
Hytabu
Reps: 103
SPED, IEP, and RTI
85% of my class is either SPED, IEP, or on Tier 3 in the RTI process.I am so overwhelmed with the new Georgia Milestone coming up. I teach third grade, and we have constructive response questions this year. I get excited when they write a complete sentence. We are working hard to use evidence from the text and get their stamina up for reading, but the students become so overwhelmed and shut down. Does anyone have any advice for me?
 
     
     
 
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Solution 1
Posted March 15, 2015 11:31 pm

udapum
udapum
Reps: 102
I teach 8th grade math to special ed students and we started using sentence starters and hints or reminders on our tests for the constructed response questions. The students seem to respond much better when they have a little bit of prompting. Gradually throughout the year, we have scaled back on the hints so that they get used to self-starting, but it was a great way initially to build their confidence in that area. With appropriate accommodations, special ed students are very capable of completing these more rigorous assessments, but kids are also very perceptive of their teachers. If they can tell that you are overwhelmed by the increased demands, they are not going to have much confidence in their ability either.
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Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:36 pm

WeDyje
WeDyje
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I agree with this solution
  Posted on: July 8, 2018 1:39 pm

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Solution 2
Posted March 15, 2015 5:25 pm

QeRary
QeRary
Reps: 101
I teach the same students, on the middle school level. Have you thought about using a writing strategy that will help them break down the question and outline their response? There is RACE or HOOT that are very effective. I don't think this new testing system is very fair for our students and I stressing for my students as well. Google HOOTS or RACE and see if that is useful.
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Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:36 pm

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Solution 3
Posted October 19, 2015 2:37 am

qasytu
qasytu
Reps: 107
First of all, and I know you already know this, but never let them see you sweat. I am in the same boat with my 9th graders and I have tried really hard to always use very positive and encouraging words when it comes to this topic. Perhaps only spend small snippets of time on this type of assignments. Create constructive response questions that are related to something in their lives and not solely the reading passage before them. When a shut down occurs, sneak in an activity that gets them up on their feet, engaged in a physical activity and then have them jump right back in. Also, see if you have have a yoga instructor come visit. They might have strategies to help your students relax, and relieve stress. They also can help set a tone for the classroom that encourages a more relaxed state and allows the students to face the writing with a breath of fresh perspective.
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Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:37 pm

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Solution 4
Posted October 4, 2015 10:27 pm

QeJupa
QeJupa
Reps: 104
Break it down into smaller parts so they won't get overwhelmed
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Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:36 pm

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Solution 5
Posted March 15, 2015 6:30 pm

Morgan Jasper
Morgan Jasper
Reps: 100
I'm assuming your Milestones are structured similar to mine, where the written portion only counts for a small percentage of the student's score. So that should reduce a bit of your stress. To help the students build stamina and motivation for the constructed responses, try daily practice where you increase their time/questions by 1 each day. You could make a chart to plot their growth and build them up for the big day. You could also build in rewards/incentives they achieve along the way to maintain engagement.
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Comments posted for this solution

Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:36 pm

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Solution 6
Posted October 14, 2015 1:58 pm

JoBeth Griffin
JoBeth Griffin
Reps: 76
I teach 5th grade SPED this year. I would suggest taking it step by step by beginning with a sentence starter that may re-state what the question is asking. My students are used to writing one or two word answers. Another helpful tip if you are taking the test on a computer, start practicing now. I am luck to have a classroom set of laptops. We take those out and practice our responses. It made it fun for the kids and it keeps their interest.
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Comments posted for this solution

Natalie Taylor
Natalie Taylor
Reps: 200
This is a very good and detailed response. Great idea.
  Posted on: February 22, 2016 2:37 pm

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