TOSA Tribune
Nixa Public Schools
Intermediate
SR Test-Taking Tips
Oftentimes, students see multiple
choice questions on a test and im-
mediately think they‟re „easier‟
than constructed response ques-
tions. We know that‟s not usually
the case on the M.A.P. test.
Teaching multiple choice test-
taking strategies is essential.
In math, many teachers require
students to SHOW their work on
multiple choice questions to re-
ceive credit. One teacher men-
tioned that she trained her 4th
graders to determine which ques-
tions needed work shown and
which ones could simply be an-
swered to save time on the timed
portions, and they practiced this
in class on their weekly cold as-
sessments.
A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a
desire to learn is hammering on a cold iron.
February 2010
Volume 4, Issue 4
Inside this issue:
Selected-Response Tips SR Test-Taking Tips 1
Read the question before you
look at the answer.
Formative Assessment 2
Come up with the answer in Ideas
your head before looking at
possible choices so the choices
don‟t „throw you off.‟ Vocabulary on the 2
Move
If you see the answer you an-
ticipated, mark it and then
check to make sure none of the Goal Process 1.6 3
other responses is better.
Always double-check to make
sure you‟ve answered ALL
Wordle.net 3
questions.
Eliminate answers you know
aren‟t right.
M.A.P. Checklist 4
There is no penalty for guess-
ing on the MAP, so if you don‟t
know the answer, take an edu-
cated guess.
Be sure that bubbles are filled
in neatly, completely and
quickly on timed portions.
List modified from:
www.testtakingtips.com
~ Horace Mann
Formative Assessment IDEAS
Minute paper: Students identify the most
significant (useful, meaningful, etc.) things
they learned during a particular session.
Muddiest Point: Students write one or two
ideas that were least clear to them from the
current or preceding class period.
Application Cards: After introducing an im-
portant concept, ask students to write down at
least one real-world application for what they
have just learned.
RSQC2: In two minutes, students recall and
list in rank order the most important ideas
from a previous day's class; in two more min-
utes, they summarize those points in a single
sentence, then write one major question they
want answered, then identify a thread or theme
to connect this material to the course's major
goal.
It is the assessment which
distinguishes between the
teaching and the learning.
Vocabulary on the Move
Students use deductive reasoning to determine
what is written on the card on their back.
Directions:
Make a list of familiar vocabulary words (the
D.E.S.E. released M.A.P. vocabulary is a great
place to start) on notecards.
Communication Arts Glossary—REVISED 11/09
Math Glossary
Tape one note card to each student‟s back.
Brainstorm a list of acceptable yes/no questions.
Does this word deal with geometry?
Am I a polygon?
Do I have more than four vertices?
Model asking questions to try to determine which
word is written on your back.
Do the activity.
Once students have correctly identified their defi-
nition, have them sit quietly at their desks.
After several minutes (even if some are still trying
to solve their definition), share. Have students
share what yes/no questions they asked.
Record questions on a chart for future games.
Assess: Using individual whiteboards, say a defi-
nition and have students write the correct word
on their whiteboard. On the teacher‟s cue, have
students hold whiteboards over their heads to
check for understanding.
On a FUN Note:
If you‟re looking for FREE clip
art, go to www.pppst.com. It‟s my
favorite website and everything is
FREE.
TOSA Tribune Intermediate
Goal Process Standard 1.6 is frequently assessed on the M.A.P. Test.
It states: Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content
areas the ability to discover and evaluate patterns and relationships in infor-
mation, ideas and structures.

The Wordles on this page are

fantastic to use with visual
learners, and research sug-
gests that about 65% of all
learners are visual learners.
Wordle can definitely en-
hance learning when used
with vocabulary definitions
and summaries. When creat-
ing these, I typed some words
several times to make them
What does 1.6 look like in Communication Arts? The Communication Arts Show- larger on the page.
Me Standards Interpretations document describes it using these words:

Volume 4, Issue 4 Page 3

 205 North Street
Nixa, MO 65714
M.A.P. Checklist
_____1. I teach the written curriculum.
_____2. I assess the written curriculum.
_____3. I pace the year to cover the needed curriculum in a timely manner.
_____4. I use “Best Practices” when teaching — not “sit and get,” but research-based practices
like:

Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures

Math Investigations (K-4)
SSR and Writing Conferences
Guided Reading with Purpose
Writer‟s Workshop

_____5. I use the proper DESE released vocabulary when teaching.

_____6. I access our curriculum page (www.nixastaffresources.net) and utilize MAP released information from
DESE — including the questions from the Communication Arts Show-Me Standards Interpretations document.
_____7. I administer cold assessments.
_____8. I give descriptive feedback to my students about missed items on cold assessments and classroom tests.
_____9. I give some “timed” assignments to teach students how to pace themselves when taking a timed test.
_____10. I use the data from the benchmark tests and reteach items, if necessary.
_____11. I have my students use at least two details from the text in Com. Arts when answering questions.
_____12. My students can write a friendly letter with a controlling idea in their sleep.
_____13. I give my students partially completed graphic organizers and ask them to title them.
_____14. I know which areas my grade scored below 70% on the M.A.P. test last year, and I make a vested effort to
improve those areas.
_____15. I teach my students test-taking skills.
_____16. I collaborate with my colleagues and ask questions/share ideas.
_____17. I keep a positive attitude about the M.A.P test because my students will reflect my attitude.

Don’t waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the
work before you, well assured that the right performance of this
hour’s duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages
that follow it.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson