Here in New York, April showers bring May flowers and April brings Grades 3-8 testing: ELA (April 5- 7) and Math (April 13 - 15). This year's tests will be untimed -- a change inspired by the opt out movement. Not many states release test items so parents, students and teachers in the Empire State are lucky as half the items from 2013-2015 are available https://www.engageny.org/3-8 Here is a video of an educator encouraging all students to take the exams so the information can be used to revise teaching and learning. No calculator is allowed for Grades 3 - 5 but in middle school a scientific calculator is permitted but only for Days 2 and 3. Reference Sheet for Grades 5 - 8
Global Math Department Tuesday nights 9PM Eastern
Math teachers are loving the Internet to share and exchange ideas on improving student learning. Tuesday nights 9pm Eastern Time we meet on the Global Math Department webinar. "We are math teachers who share what we've learned, cause we don't want our classes to suck the energy from students. Professional development among friends, not just colleagues. Fun! Immediately useful! Interesting!". Each week has a different topic and presenter and the attendees comment, ask questions and share ideas for student success.
