Addressing Failing Test Scores in Garfield Public Schools: A Collaborative Approach
- Nancy Kutsup
- Sep 3, 2024
- 15 min read
The Current State of Test Scores in Garfield
In recent years, Garfield Public Schools, like many districts across the nation, have experienced a noticeable decline in standardized test scores, particularly in core subjects like mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). These scores are not merely numbers; they reflect the academic progress of our students and are critical indicators of the effectiveness of our educational strategies. This trend is concerning as it affects the district's academic standing and the future opportunities available to its students. Several factors contribute to this decline, including challenges related to socio-economic disparities, limited resources, potential language barriers, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional learning and exacerbated existing educational inequalities.
As educators, administrators, parents, and community members, it's crucial that we understand the root causes of this decline and work together to implement strategies that will foster academic success for all students.
Understanding the Decline
The drop in test scores at Garfield Public Schools can be attributed to several factors:
Socioeconomic Challenges:
Many students in Garfield come from economically disadvantaged households, where access to resources such as tutoring, books, and a quiet place to study can be limited. These challenges often put students at a disadvantage before they even step into the classroom.
Teacher Turnover:
High rates of teacher turnover disrupt the continuity of instruction. When teachers leave frequently, students are deprived of stable learning environments, which can negatively affect their academic performance.
Class Size:
Larger class sizes make it difficult for teachers to provide individualized attention to students who may be struggling, leading to gaps in understanding that can accumulate over time.
Lack of Parental Involvement:
Parental involvement is crucial in reinforcing the value of education and supporting students' academic efforts. A lack of engagement from parents can lead to a disconnect between what is taught in school and what is reinforced at home.
Inadequate Resources:
The Role of Teachers: Innovating Instructional Strategies
Teachers are on the front lines of education and play a crucial role in addressing declining test scores. To combat this issue, Garfield educators need to adopt innovative instructional strategies that engage students and cater to diverse learning styles. Teachers should prioritize understanding and addressing the diverse learning styles and needs of their students. Additionally, teachers should incorporate more formative assessments into their lessons to identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted support before the summative assessments occur. Using assessments for each phase of instruction is important not only for building steps but providing more grades that will help counter the impact of a failure. Professional development is also key. Teachers should have access to ongoing training that equips them with the latest educational techniques and tools, such as data-driven instruction and the integration of technology in the classroom. By staying current with best practices, teachers can better support their students and address the specific areas where test scores are lagging.
Once again, though, fitting everything into limited timeframes is difficult. It is essential to be very aware of the burden placed on teachers. Teachers in districts with high test scores have the luxury of experimenting rather than remediating. Wealthier districts can have higher test scores since parents often pay significant amounts for remediation of weaknesses and also for advancement. Without the extra burden, these teachers can feel less frustration. On the other hand, these communities often set such a high bar that the teachers get worn out in a different way.
Parental Involvement: Creating a Supportive Home Environment
Parents play an essential role in their children's academic success, and their involvement can significantly impact test scores. When parents are engaged in their child's education, students are more likely to take their studies seriously and perform better academically. My objective for Garfield Public Schools is to encourage stronger parental involvement by providing workshops that equip parents with the tools and knowledge to effectively support their children's learning at home. These workshops can cover topics such as effective study habits, understanding the school curriculum, and preparing for standardized tests. Currently, there is a parent group working to build the Home and School Associations in the district. This is where workshops might be considered. Moreover, open communication between parents and teachers is crucial. Parents should be encouraged to maintain regular contact with their child's teachers to stay informed about their progress and any areas of concern. This partnership between home and school can create a consistent support system that reinforces the importance of education and helps students stay on track. This is critical for all students, not just those who are failing.
Students Helping Students
Classmates and friends can play a crucial role in a student's success. Pairing students with stronger abilities with those who may be struggling can be highly effective, as peer explanations often resonate more. Collaborative homework sessions among friends can also alleviate the pressure parents feel when helping their children. When multiple students work together, they are more likely to find solutions collectively.
The Board of Education: Providing Resources and Setting Policy
The Garfield Board of Education has a significant role in creating an environment where students can succeed. By prioritizing funding for academic resources, the Board can ensure that schools have the tools they need to improve test scores. This includes investing in updated textbooks, educational software, and tutoring programs that provide additional support to students who need it. Careful review of budgeting and priorities is necessary. Policy decisions approved by the Board also have a direct impact on student performance. For example, reducing class sizes can allow teachers to give more individualized attention to students, which can be particularly beneficial for those who are struggling. Additionally, the Board should consider promoting policies that promote after-school programs focused on test preparation and academic enrichment.
Understanding the Interplay between Personality Types and Learning Styles
Understanding the interplay between personality types and learning styles is crucial in addressing the diverse needs of students and improving test scores. Personality types, as categorized by models like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), influence how students approach learning and testing. For instance, extroverted students might excel in collaborative environments but struggle with the solitary nature of standardized tests. Conversely, introverted students might thrive in independent study but feel overwhelmed in group assessments.
Learning styles, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, also play a significant role in how students process and retain information. A visual learner, for example, might perform better on tests that incorporate diagrams or charts, while an auditory learner might benefit from listening to lectures or discussions. When teachers tailor their instructional methods to align with these styles, students are more likely to grasp complex concepts and perform better on assessments.
When parents and teachers recognize and accommodate these differences, they can tailor their approach to better suit the individual needs of each student. For example, a teacher might incorporate more visual aids for visual learners, while parents could encourage auditory learners to use study tools like podcasts or audiobooks. By aligning teaching methods and study practices with students' personality types and learning styles, educators and parents can help students feel more confident and engaged, ultimately leading to improved test scores.
Furthermore, this personalized approach can reduce anxiety and frustration, which are often barriers to academic success. When students feel understood and supported in ways that resonate with their natural inclinations, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning and perform better on assessments. This collaboration between parents, teachers, and students fosters a positive learning environment that not only boosts test scores but also promotes long-term academic and personal growth.
In summary, recognizing and addressing the diverse personality types and learning styles in a classroom can lead to more personalized and effective teaching strategies, ultimately leading to improved test scores for all students. I will discuss this further in an upcoming article.
NOTE: To learn more about personality types and learning style, and to take a quiz to discover what personality and learning style you have, you visit the following sites:
Collaboration for Success
Improving test scores in Garfield Public Schools requires a multifaceted approach that involves the entire community. Teachers, parents, administrators, and the Board of Education must work together to create an educational environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, creative approaches can make learning more engaging and enjoyable, helping to reinforce what is taught in school. It also can make test preparation more engaging, reduce anxiety, and ultimately help improve those test scores. By focusing on innovative teaching strategies, increasing parental involvement, and providing the necessary resources and policies, Garfield can turn the tide on declining test scores and set its students on a path to academic success. In conclusion, while the challenge of improving test scores in Garfield Public Schools is significant, it is not insurmountable. With a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, the district can overcome these obstacles and ensure that its students are well-prepared for the future.
Conclusion
Improving test scores at Garfield Public Schools will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. By addressing the root causes of declining scores and implementing targeted strategies, we can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Education is the cornerstone of our community, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student receives the support they need to reach their full potential. Together, we can turn the tide and set Garfield Public Schools on a path to academic excellence. Afterall, it truly does take a village to raise a child.
Strategies and Creative Ideas to Raise Test Scores
Below are some strategies and creative ideas that parents and teachers can use to help improve not only standardized test scores, but even scores on classroom quizzes and tests.
Strategies for Teachers:
Data-Drive Instruction:
Analyze Past Data: Use data from previous tests to identify areas where students struggle the most. Tailor instruction to address these specific weaknesses.
Formative Assessments: Regularly assess students with short quizzes or exit tickets to gauge their understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.
Targeted Small Group Instruction:
Flexible Grouping: Group students based on their performance on assessments and provide targeted instruction to address their specific needs.
Peer Tutoring: Pair higher-performing students with those who need extra help to reinforce learning.
Test-Taking Skills Workshops:
Teach Strategies: Educate students on test-taking strategies, such as time management, eliminating wrong answers, and understanding question formats.
Simulate Test Conditions: Regularly practice under test-like conditions to build familiarity and reduce anxiety.
Incorporate Technology and Gamification:
Educational Games: Use apps or online platforms that turn test preparation into engaging games.
Interactive Quizzes: Implement interactive quizzes that provide instant feedback, helping students learn from their mistakes.
Integrate Higher-Order Thinking:
Critical Thinking Exercises: Design activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
Open-Ended Questions: Include more open-ended questions in daily assignments to build the analytical skills required for standardized tests.
Focus on Vocabulary Development:
Vocabulary Lists: Create subject-specific vocabulary lists and incorporate them into daily lessons.
Word Walls: Maintain a word wall in the classroom where new and challenging words are displayed.
Practice Tests and Review Sessions:
Weekly Practice Tests: Regularly administer practice tests and provide detailed feedback to help students identify areas for improvement.
Review Games: Use review games like Jeopardy or Kahoot to make test preparation fun and engaging.
Parental Involvement:
Parent Workshops: Host workshops to educate parents on how they can support their child's test preparation at home.
Regular Updates: Keep parents informed about their child's progress and areas that need improvement.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques:
Mindfulness Exercises: Introduce mindfulness exercises to help students manage test anxiety.
Physical Activity: Incorporate short physical activities or brain breaks to keep students energized and focused.
Differentiated Instruction:
Multiple Learning Styles: Tailor instruction to address various learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to ensure all students grasp the material.
Choice Boards: Offer choice boards that allow students to demonstrate their understanding in a way that suits their strengths.
Incorporate Real-World Applications
Project-Based Learning: Use project-based learning to help students see the relevance of what they are learning and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Field Trips and Guest Speakers: Organize field trips or invite guest speakers to make connections between the curriculum and real-world applications.
Regular Feedback and Encouragement:
Positive Reinforcement: Regularly praise students for their progress to boost their confidence and motivation.
Goal Setting: Help students set achievable goals and celebrate when they meet them.
Creative Ideas for Teachers
Escape Room Challenges:
Themed Review Games: Turn test preparation into an escape room challenge where students must solve subject-related puzzles and answer questions to "escape" the room.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Students work in teams to solve a series of questions or tasks that reinforce key concepts, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking.
Interactive Learning Stations:
Rotating Stations: Set up different learning stations around the classroom, each focusing on a different test topic or skill. Students rotate through stations in small groups, keeping the learning dynamic and engaging.
Hands-On Activities: Include hands-on activities at each station, such as manipulatives for math, vocabulary games, or science experiments.
Gamified Learning:
Classroom Quests: Turn the entire test prep process into a quest where students earn points, badges, or rewards for completing various academic tasks.
Leaderboard: Use a leaderboard to track progress and create friendly competition, motivating students to improve their scores.
Flipped Classroom Model:
Video Lessons: Provide students with video lessons to watch at home, freeing up class time for interactive activities, discussions, and practice tests.
Peer Teaching: Encourage students to create and present their own mini-lessons to the class, reinforcing their understanding of the material.
Incorporate Technology Creatively:
Virtual Reality (VR) Lessons: Use VR to take students on virtual field trips related to test content, such as exploring ancient civilizations or the human body.
Interactive Whiteboard Games: Use interactive whiteboards to play review games like Jeopardy, Pictionary, or Kahoot that align with test content.
Project-Based Learning (PBL):
Real-World Projects: Assign projects that require students to apply what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios, such as creating a business plan, building a model, or designing a public service announcement.
Cross-Curricular Projects: Combine subjects in one project, such as a history research project that also requires strong writing and critical thinking skills.
Incorporate Arts and Creativity:
Art Integration: Have students create artwork that represents key concepts, such as drawing scenes from a historical event or creating a visual representation of a science concept.
Music and Movement: Use songs, raps, or rhythmic clapping to help students memorize facts, formulas, or vocabulary.
Differentiated Learning with Choice Boards:
Choice Boards: Offer students a choice of activities (like creating a comic strip, writing a poem, or building a model) to demonstrate their understanding of the material in a way that suits their learning style.
Tiered Assignments: Provide tiered assignments that challenge students at different levels, ensuring that all students are appropriately challenged and supported.
Mindfulness and Brain Breaks:
Mindfulness Exercises: Incorporate mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided visualization, to help students manage stress and improve focus before tests.
Physical Brain Breaks: Use short, active breaks to keep students energized and reduce burnout during long study sessions.
Peer Review and Collaboration:
Peer Editing: Encourage students to review and edit each other’s work, providing constructive feedback and reinforcing their own learning in the process.
Group Study Sessions: Facilitate group study sessions where students can quiz each other, explain concepts, and collaborate on practice tests.
Themed Test Prep Weeks:
Test Prep Spirit Week: Organize a themed "Test Prep Spirit Week" where each day focuses on a different subject, with themed activities, dress-up days, and games to build excitement.
Test Prep Rallies: Host a rally or assembly to kick off test prep, complete with motivational speakers, skits, and music to build enthusiasm.
Storytelling and Real-World Connections:
Story-Based Learning: Use storytelling to teach concepts, such as creating a narrative around a math problem or explaining scientific principles through a story.
Real-Life Examples: Connect lessons to real-life examples that resonate with students, like using popular culture references or discussing current events that tie into the curriculum.
Interactive Notebooks and Journals:
Interactive Notebooks: Have students create interactive notebooks where they can take notes, create foldables, and reflect on what they’ve learned. These notebooks can be used as study guides for tests.
Learning Journals: Encourage students to keep journals where they summarize daily lessons, reflect on their understanding, and set goals for improvement.
Incentivize Progress with Rewards:
Test Prep Challenges: Create challenges where students can earn rewards for completing test prep activities, improving their scores, or showing effort.
Classroom Currency: Use a classroom currency system where students earn "money" for academic achievements that they can use to buy rewards or privileges.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences:
Goal-Setting Conferences: Hold conferences where parents, teachers, and students set specific academic goals together, creating a sense of accountability and support.
Celebrating Success: Involve parents in celebrating successes, such as sending home certificates or hosting a small recognition event for students who have shown significant improvement.
Strategies for Parents
Establish a Structured Study Routine:
Consistent Schedule: Create a consistent daily routine that includes time for homework, study, and test preparation. Consistency helps reinforce learning.
Designated Study Space: Set up a quiet, distraction-free area at home where your child can focus on their studies.
Communicate Regularly with Teachers:
Stay Informed: Regularly communicate with your child’s teachers to stay updated on their progress, test dates, and areas needing improvement.
Collaborative Approach: Work with teachers to implement strategies at home that reinforce what is being taught in the classroom.
Encourage Active Reading:
Daily Reading: Encourage your child to read daily, which improves comprehension and vocabulary, essential for standardized tests.
Discuss Books: Engage in discussions about what they’re reading to enhance critical thinking and analytical skills.
Promote a Positive Attitude Towards Testing:
Boost Confidence: Encourage a positive mindset about tests. Remind your child that preparation leads to success and that they should view tests as opportunities to show what they’ve learned.
Minimize Stress: Help your child manage test anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques and ensuring they get enough rest before test days.
Provide Practice Opportunities:
Practice Tests: Use online resources or workbooks to provide additional practice with standardized test formats.
Real-World Applications: Relate study topics to real-world situations to help your child see the relevance of what they are learning.
Support Healthy Habits:
Balanced Diet: Ensure your child eats a healthy, balanced diet, especially on test days, to help maintain energy and focus.
Adequate Sleep: Make sure your child gets enough sleep, as rest is crucial for cognitive function and memory retention.
Monitor and Limit Screen Time:
Set Boundaries: Limit non-educational screen time, especially before bed, to help your child focus on studying and get enough sleep.
Educational Content: Encourage the use of educational apps or programs that reinforce what is being taught in school.
Encourage Goal Setting and Accountability:
Set Achievable Goals: Work with your child to set realistic academic goals, both short-term and long-term.
Celebrate Success: Recognize and celebrate milestones and improvements, no matter how small, to keep your child motivated.
Provide Encouragement and Emotional Support:
Be Supportive: Offer words of encouragement and be patient with your child’s learning process. A supportive environment fosters confidence.
Listen and Respond: Be attentive to your child’s frustrations or challenges and work together to find solutions.
Stay Involved in School Activities:
Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences: Regularly attend parent-teacher conferences to stay engaged with your child’s academic progress.
Volunteer: If possible, volunteer at the school, showing your child that their education is important to you.
Utilize School Resources:
Tutoring Programs: Take advantage of any after-school tutoring or enrichment programs offered by the school.
Library and Online Resources: Encourage your child to use the school library and approved online resources for extra practice.
Foster a Love of Learning:
Lifelong Learning: Encourage curiosity and a love for learning beyond just test preparation. Engage in activities that make learning fun and interesting.
Extracurricular Activities: Support involvement in extracurricular activities that build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skill
Creative Ideas for Parents
Educational Family Game Nights:
Quiz Games: Organize family quiz nights using apps like Kahoot or Quizlet. Create custom quizzes based on subjects your child is studying in school.
Board Games: Play educational board games like Scrabble (for vocabulary), Math Bingo, or Brain Quest that reinforce learning while having fun.
Themed Study Sessions:
Subject-Themed Days: Designate certain days for different subjects (e.g., "Math Mondays" or "Science Saturdays") and focus on creative activities related to that subject.
Study Parties: Organize small study parties with your child’s classmates where they can review materials together with snacks and breaks for fun activities.
Learning through Arts and Crafts:
DIY Flashcards: Create custom flashcards together using colored paper, markers, and drawings to make studying more engaging.
Subject-Based Art Projects: Encourage your child to express what they’ve learned through drawing, painting, or building models. For example, building a model of a historical site for history class.
Incorporating Learning into Daily Routines:
Cooking and Math: Use cooking as an opportunity to practice math skills by measuring ingredients and calculating proportions.
Grocery Store Scavenger Hunts: Create a shopping list scavenger hunt where your child has to find items, calculate the total cost, and apply discounts or taxes.
Interactive Learning Apps and Tools:
Gamified Learning Apps: Encourage the use of apps like Prodigy (math), Duolingo (languages), or BrainPOP to reinforce learning in a fun and interactive way.
Virtual Reality Experiences: Use VR apps for immersive learning experiences, such as exploring ancient civilizations or the human body, to make subjects more tangible.
Creative Writing Prompts:
Story Starters: Give your child creative writing prompts based on what they’re learning in school. For example, "Write a story about traveling back in time to meet a famous historical figure."
Learning Journals: Encourage your child to keep a journal where they summarize what they’ve learned each day in their own words.
Create a Rewards System:
Achievement Badges: Design a badge or sticker system where your child earns rewards for completing study tasks or improving their test scores.
Progress Chart: Use a colorful progress chart to track goals and celebrate milestones with small rewards, such as extra playtime or a special treat.
Incorporate Music and Movement:
Educational Songs: Find or create songs that relate to what your child is learning, such as multiplication songs or grammar jingles.
Dance Breaks: Incorporate short dance breaks between study sessions to keep energy levels high and reduce stress.
Use Technology Creatively:
Digital Storytelling: Encourage your child to create digital stories or presentations about what they’re learning using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or video editing software.
Interactive Online Challenges: Participate in online challenges that are both educational and competitive, such as spelling bees or math challenges.
Field Trips and Real-World Connections:
Virtual or In-Person Field Trips: Arrange virtual or in-person visits to museums, science centers, or historical sites that align with your child’s curriculum.
Real-World Applications: Show your child how what they’re learning applies in the real world, such as budgeting money, understanding news stories, or even planning a family trip.
Collaborative Learning Projects:
Family Research Projects: Work together on a research project that aligns with your child’s current curriculum, like building a family tree or exploring local history.
Interactive Storytime: Encourage your child to read aloud to family members, or take turns reading chapters of a book together, discussing key themes and vocabulary.
Learning Through Exploration:
Nature Walks: Take nature walks and use the opportunity to discuss topics like biology, geography, and environmental science. Collect items like leaves or rocks and research them together.
Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments at home, such as creating a volcano or growing crystals, to spark curiosity and reinforce scientific concepts.
Resources:
For Teachers:
Edutopia - Differentiated Instruction Resources
Learn about various strategies for differentiated instruction and how to apply them effectively in the classroom.
Teaching Channel - Formative Assessment Techniques
Explore a range of formative assessment techniques to help identify student needs and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Access resources on integrating technology in the classroom to enhance learning and improve student outcomes.
For Parents:
National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) - Family Resource
Find tips and tools to support your child's education at home, including how to help with homework and prepare for tests.
Understood.org - Parent Advocacy in Education
Understand how to advocate for your child in school and how to collaborate effectively with teachers.
Reading Rockets - Parent Tips for Reading Success
Access guides on how to help your child with reading, which is crucial for improving ELA test scores.
For the Board of Education:
National School Boards Association (NSBA) - Resources for School Board Members
Explore best practices for school board members, including policy-making and funding decisions that impact academic achievement
Education Commission of the States - Policy Resources
Find research and analysis on policies that improve student outcomes, such as class size reduction and after-school programs.
The Wallace Foundation - Effective Use of Resources in Education
Learn about how to effectively allocate resources to maximize student success and improve school performance.
