Tiered Grouping

Scaffolding math problems determined by student math readiness has really increased student engagement during math class. This process is really time consuming in that you must disaggregate your data to predetermine your 3 levels:the prerequisite,target, and enhanced. As you establish your groups, the objective is to make sure your math questions in your targeted group meet the state objective for that particular SOL. As indicated, this process is time consuming:however, the student will encounter much success in working math problems that are level appropriate. And the student will easily master that SOL objective.

Cheat Sheet

I use this strategy every year in reviewing for the SOL's. I explain to students that in math we have learned a lot of concepts. I then display a pre-released SOL exam and tell the sudents that we will create a Cheat Sheet that they can study from. I then instruct the student to fold a piece of paper into eight sections. (Students will utilize both sides of the paper).I explain the importance of creating a cheat sheet(study notes) and how on the day of the exam, the student will remember what strategy to use to solve a math problem.

Focus Question(s):
What type of information can we put on our cheat sheet?
How can we use a cheat sheet to study?
Why is it important to know the mathematical concept?Explain:Teacher will go through each question on the Released SOL exam and create cheat sheet based on the question concept. Teacher and students will list important strategies on the cheat sheet


Focus Question(s):
What math concept can we identified from the question?
Can someone reword the question?
What test taking strategy can we use to answer the question?Teacher will ask students to explain what their study strategy is for this upcoming SOL exam.

Final Review

This week is the last week for SOL review. To keep the students focused, we have been using several strategies at all grade levels. What seems to really work is getting the students to talk and explain in writing what skill that was currently reviewed. The student then has to share their writing with a peer. If the student can't explain the procedure in writing such as how to find the discount/mark up, then this will let me know as a teacher what the student needs help on. Addtionally, if the student is able to write about it, the student tends to truly understand the concept.