This optional training session for Partners in Math volunteers was held on Thursday, January 7. Training was conducted by Karolyn Gutierrez, Amy Moore, and Elizabeth McCormick from our office.
We started with an overview presentation about TAKS, including WHAT it is, its history and development.
Next, volunteers worked through an activity that looked at the alignment of what teacher's should be teaching (the TEKS), the material covered on the TAKS test, and what questions look like on the TAKS. In addition to gaining insight into the material covered on the test, volunteers discovered that teachers don't need to teach TO the test to properly prepare students.
Finally, we looked a bit more realistically at TAKS testing for our 8th graders. During this activity, volunteers moved in groups around the room to different “stations”. At each station they were presented with a common challenge our PIM 8th graders face when they take the TAKS test. Follow the link below to see what each station had to offer.
For additional information, please view The official TAKS Mathematics Grade 8 Information Booklet from the TEA website. Also, see below for statistical information about the schools we serve.
