The Daily CAFE Discussion Board

Worries about test prep

melanie_barbas 2015-10-15 17:43:58 UTC #1

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions/ideas for teachers who are worried about incorporating test prep activities. Some teachers in my district are starting to use the Daily 5 and CAFE structures, but feel a lot of pressure to expose students to the types of questions they will see on our state test (Smarter Balanced). I think that if kids are engaged in authentic literacy activities and individualized instruction through Daily 5 and CAFE, they will not NEED "test prep" activities, because they will be able to think deeply about text.

I would love to hear other peoples thoughts, or experiences with high stakes testing when using Daily 5/CAFE.

srea 2015-10-17 05:01:48 UTC #2

I agree with you that the abilities and stamina will be there if you are truly doing Daily 5 and CAFE. Now . . . the format of questions on a state/normed test is important for kids to know about, too. Maybe "Tuesday Testing Tips" might be a good mini-lesson. Put examples on a document board or chart, and discuss how to choose responses.