The students enrolled in my classes consist of students with moderate to severe disabilities (i.e., Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, and Intellectual Disabilities). All of the students also have a secondary qualifying disability (i.e., Speech-Language Impairment). Additionally, a few-verbal, and/or use alternative methods for communication (i.e., symbols, communication boards, sign language, gestures, etc.).
The week consisted of an introduction of the California Assessment Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) practice test. Specifically, we were exploring the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) training test for Science. The tests are to will be administered in three parts for all high school students. The first part consisted of demonstrating for students how to log in, change settings, accommodations a and other information. The practice tests include of 10 multiple choice questions, comprising of either two or three choices. I previously applied for an Innovative Learning Environment Project Grant for the purchase of a sixty-five-inch ProWise touch screen and collaborative furniture for our classroom. The ProWise screen allows for students to have an up close and interactive learning experience. The students can click on screen buttons, videos, etc.. All of my students are visual and hands-on learners. The students have access to communication low and high tech devices, one-to-one Chromebook and iPad devices to support instruction and learning. While the students have access to a wide variety of technology and other innovative tools, the CAA images, and videos were “clipart” and not realistic. Therefore, the students struggled with correctly answer the sample questions. One such example showed a slide show style video of a thermometer in a glass containing liquid, and then ice was added. Prior to and after the ice added to the liquid the screen showed two different temperatures (i.e., 74* than 65*). The test question following the video asked: How is the temperature in the cup different now?
Only 7 out of 8 students present answered correctly. The results of the student responses both alarmed and puzzled me; as we have done several science lessons, labs and hands-on experiences similar to the given question. Therefore, the next day I had the students participate in a real-time activity similar and provided a paper/pencil quiz, which included symbols for non-readers. Students completed the questionnaire separately and correctly answered the quiz questions, which consisted of three items. While I have several questions, all focus on how assessment can be improved to increase student success and be more realistic so students can generalize in various environments and formats.
5 Comments
Karling Skoglund
2/19/2019 05:27:02 pm
Lisa,
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Lisa Marie Smith
2/19/2019 06:35:57 pm
Karling,
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Golden Williams
2/20/2019 05:39:15 pm
It is awesome that you were able to get a grant for the ProWise touch screen. We just got one at our school this year. I have not had a chance to use it yet, but looking forward to using it in the future. I work at NVLA which is a dual-immersion school. The language barrier does add some obstacles; I do not speak Spanish. It would be great if I could use the ProWise at the start of my lessons to help relay content to my students. It is really cool how your students have access to all these technology tools. I hope that I can start to incorporate technology more in my class in the future.
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Lisa Marie Smith
2/20/2019 06:39:47 pm
Golden,
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Alexis Stepney
2/20/2019 07:19:01 pm
It sounds like the Pro Wise touch has been heaven sent to your classroom and has made a difference in your teaching and your students learning. I'm glad you were able to get that. I really admire the way you go above and beyond to meet the needs of your students by not just accepting what a test says they can do but modifying your lessons and practicing for assessments that you know they will need to take so that they will be successful.
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