Hi everyone,
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, our Grade 3's will be writing EQAO tests, in language and math.
Over the last 2 weeks, we have reviewed content and students have been working on questions to help prep for what the test looks like.
Math
The test looks very different from any type of work Primary teachers do in class. EQAO is a pencil-and-paper assessment. In class, we work with hands-on math manipulatives, in partners and small groups, talking about our thinking and learning. Also, a math portion of EQAO has a separate "fill-in the bubbles" computer-generated sheet which is a new concept for my class. "Fill in the bubbles" multiple choice questions require students to understand the strategy behind multiple choice (2 answers are usually very wrong, 1 answer may be close to being correct and 1 is the most correct). We have been practising answering multiple choice questions and thinking carefully about "the most correct answer."
The open-response math questions require students to "justify your answer" and we are continually learning to talk and share in "good math language" about our thinking in class. The last few days have been spent reviewing content and concepts taught over many months (and from Grade 1 and 2).
Language
I have reviewed several reading passages in class and we have worked together on the multiple choice and longer answer responses - teaching students that they must write only on the several lines provided and within the text boxes. Nothing else is marked beyond those lines or outside the box, no matter how strong the writing.
The writing portion of EQAO requires students to write about given topics and the topics are usually general enough that students can engage and make connections. Sometimes students like the topics and other times they are unable to relate to the topics given. Professional development teaches us that student choice is a key factor for student success, however EQAO does not offer student choice.
The writing process that we follow in class and supported by the Ontario Curriculum follows this process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing (and conferencing with a peer or teacher throughout the process). This is what we do in class. However, EQAO requires students to plan and write as a single process. Again, this is not what we do in real life.
My feeling is that a standardized-test scenario such as EQAO that prohibits teachers from guiding students with good prompts when students find questions challenging, does not allow students to seek meaningful clarification, requires students to work without talking or sharing ideas, is neither a fair nor adequate assessment of children at their very best - particularly students who are so young.
As I've been told to remember, EQAO is a snapshot of students pen-and-pencil work over three mornings in a non-interactive, single-seating environment. These marks do not impact student report cards. They are not a complete assessment of your children as learners and thinkers.
All that being said, we are approaching EQAO with an open mind and positive attitude. There will be lots of outdoor time in the afternoons and treats to end the week. Thank you all for working with your children in the last while and offering your support.
Ms V.
