This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach a group of wonderful sixth grade students in a low-income community where we are under great pressure to make gains on our state exam. It has at times been a challenging experience for me due to lack of inspiring materials. However, I am convinced with the proper materials my students will be able to meet our district's and my own ambitious goals.
Given the significance of standardized testing at my school and district as a whole, I am challenged to find ways to make reviewing for multiple choice assessments engaging and relevant. While multiple choice assessments are by no means the best way to see what students know, students see their test scores as very important and they deserve the chance to do their very best in this type of test. Further, test scores of students from 3rd through 7th grade are compiled when students applications to high schools are evaluated, thus these test scores truly impact students' futures.
Hot Dots are a fun way for students to review core reading and math skills they will need to be successful on the state exam. The Hot Dots cards are broken down by reading comprehension or mathematics skill and use an interactive pen to let students know if their answers are correct or incorrect. The cards also range in grade level difficulty from 2nd to 6th grade, so my students will be able to work at a grade level where they feel comfortable and then increase the rigor as they work throughout the year. By the time my students take the state exam in March, the use of these practice tools with have increased their confidence and comfort with the assessment.
The big state exam almost always brings a feeling of anxiety to my students and their families because of the district's focus on this test a measure of student achievement. These tools would help me to prepare my students for the exam, not to mention increase their confidence and comfort with the multiple choice format. These test scores not only determine the probationary status of schools, but also effect students' high school applications and thus their futures. Your help will make it possible for them to make the gains that they need to be successful this year and beyond.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Orenstein and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.