The end of the semester is almost here and that means I will be giving a semester test to all of my 1st-5th grade classes for the first time ever. The elementary art teachers wrote these tests as a group and the tests cover the information and vocabulary we taught in 1st semester.
Honestly, this is the first time I've EVER given a test. So I'm trying to figure out how to do it and how to prepare the students. I'm planning to have a review day before the test and I plan to make a Jeopardy style game to use for the older students. I am not sure though if that will work for the younger students (like 1st and 2nd), any thoughts or suggestions? Also, should I send home a review sheet? Will elementary kids even look at it? What if a kid is absent on review day? Maybe I need a review sheet for those students.
And what if a kid is absent on test day? Do I ask them to come in during recess or my prep time to make it up? (During my prep time means they would be missing something in their regular class, and during recess sometimes means I miss my lunch so neither one is great.) Or maybe I have one day the last week of the semester where I have all the absent kids come at one time. Or do I not worry about it at all?
Can I have the students trade papers and check each others' when the test is done? Or is that not fair because then their grade isn't private?
In summary I am wondering: What is the best way to review (specifically for younger students) and what if someone is absent? If someone is absent on test day what is the best way to have them make up the test? Should students grade each others' tests?
I still haven't even gotten this far with any of my classes. They are a little behind this year- I really think it is because we started sketchbooks. Mine will most likely be after 1st semester grading is that okay? I don't know, but I think that they should finish their projects before I test them right?
ReplyDeleteAnyway- I had the same questions! Also, is the test really going to take the full time? Is it enough to review at the begining of class? I thought that I would have the upper grades use their 5 minutes of drawing time for 2 classes or so to quiz eachother. I love your Jeopardy game.
My thought on having them grade... upper levels it would work 1st and 2nd I don't think it would. But then you still have to check and make sure they did it correctly. I guess if you have time at the end of a class then they could grade them. I am sure they do it in class (and you could always ask). I would just talk to them about privacy and respect ahead of time.
The problem with giving a test at the end of the semester and being a specialist is that we don't see them again until afer so if they miss it, it won't be on their grade. But they should still take it, their would just be on their next semester grade? Which doesn't seem right either. However, no matter how much you plan there will still be some that miss.
My other concern is students that have accomodations while testing... and how do we accomodate them?
SO much to think about! :)
That is a really tough question, because at the high school we can put the responsibility on the student. It is not realistic for students of that age to "make up" something they missed on their own time. When they get to 12th grade, ideally this is what we as teacher are working toward...responsibility and self advocacy. I honestly don't know what the best solution is, because you don't want to punish them for being sick or vacationing with their family. If it is a group you will see again next semester, you could just pull them aside in their next class session and have them take it, so that you can at least have the assessment.
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