Journeys information

Along with returning your child’s reading test each week, I will be sending home examples of student work to reference for the R.A.C.E. question on that particular test. The examples demonstrate answers that have restated the question and have used two pieces of evidence from the text. You may reference these when reviewing possible answers to that question. It is important that students are using evidence from the text to support their answers and not simply using their own background knowledge.

Important information and tips for helping your child be successful on Friday’s assessment

·         There will always be 20 multiple choice questions (10 vocabulary, 10 comprehension from the anchor text that week)

·         The R.A.C.E. question (extended response) is usually based on the Essential Question given on the first page of the story and is essentially worth 20% of the total score (5/25)

·         Friday’s test is ALWAYS open book. I would never require a student to memorize every detail of a story. They can look back at the story, use the glossary, or any other part of the book that will help them answer questions.

·         Accessing the weekly anchor text AND vocabulary on ThinkCentral each week to prepare for the Friday assessment is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.  If for any reason you are unable to have your child access the book online, please contact me and I would be happy to arrange to have them bring the text book home to study.

·         The lowest test score each quarter IS dropped.

·         I have been getting feedback from parents that their child’s scores in reading are much lower than last year and/or  their scores from last year in class did not correlate with their performance on the state common core assessments. It is important to know that with the adoption of our new reading series, also came the adoption of more rigorous weekly assessments that will better prepare students for the state exams. We will continue to work each week on strategies during our reading block.

Thank you, in advance, for your support at home.