Hey what’s going on guys, talking today about balancing state test prep and teaching what you want in your classroom. 

While most teachers, myself included, are frustrated by the constraints put on both us and our students through state testing, it is also the way that you, your students, and your school system are evaluated. So with that being said I have developed four strategies to balance preparation for state tests and teaching what you want in order to get the most out of the time you have with your students. 


The first strategy is that regardless of your opinion of state testing, you cannot completely ignore the state test and preparation for it. As I stated earlier, it is how you, your students, and school system are evaluated and judged, and to not incorporate any test prep would be a disservice to yourself and your students. Throughout the year incorporate meaningful test prep, or practice test questions into your curriculum in order to ensure that your students perform well on the state test.


The second strategy is to make time for meaningful activities outside of test prep. Only focusing on test prep and teaching to a test will cause many students to lose interest and mentally check out. Incorporating inquiry based, project based, and problem based learning is a great way to make learning meaningful for students, as well as show them how the content applies to their everyday life in order to keep them engaged. On top of that, it also helps change up what is going on in the day to day life in your classroom so things do not become repetitive and dull. 


The third strategy is to not put off yet prep until right before the state test. While it is ideal to do a final review before the state test, you do not want this to be the only time dedicated to test prep as it does not allow students enough time to get acquainted with the layout of state tests and the type of questions they can be expected to see. Incorporate practice questions throughout the year so by the time the state test rolls around, you students are prepared for all the various types of questions that typically appear on the state tests. 


An lastly, balance is key. As with anything in both life and education, balance is key. Make time for both test prep and other activities to ensure that your students are getting the most out of the time they spend in their classroom. Try sprinkling a little bit of everything into your curriculum throughout the year before the state test, and then using the rest of the year after the state test to focus purely on things both you and your students wish to cover. 


Hope that helps and that you are able to take something with you and apply it to your classroom. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Talk to you guys soon!