Multiplication Mastery Made Easy

     I wish this was an original idea, but it's borrowed. We are always looking for a better way to assess multiplication. At the end of the year, our team holds a multiplication party for students who have mastered their facts to 12 x's 12. We hold up a mixed set of cards and the students have 3 seconds to answer (no using their fingers!).  Students cannot take the final mixed set quiz until they have mastered through 12 x's 12. One way we practice is playing Around the World and Multiplication BINGO often.

     The picture below shows the way our team has set up a file folder with each set of multiplication problems separated. Following that picture is another showing the spreadsheet I use to check off how far each student has gone in his/her mastery. I keep this placed in a clear sheet protector taped to the front of the folder. 

Reading Test Score Attachment

     One of my goals is to utilize my available resources in such a way that I am able to give my students specific skill based tutoring with as few added assessments as possible to the identify their deficient skills. One way I do this is through my basal reading series' tests. Instead of giving my students a basic overall score, I take the time to break down each part into its own grade. This way, when I look over their reading grades, I can identify which areas are in need of remediation. It does take longer to grade the tests in this way, but breaking down the data has been tremendously helpful.

     At first, this method was a bit confusing to parents. However, now they also appreciate being able to see exactly what areas their child needs to focus. This also aids me as it shows which areas I need to develop in my teaching abilities.