Supports+for+Students

** SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS **
In this section we offer and extend an opportunity for others to share ideas that have helped kids reach success//! **
 * //How can we scaffold kids up to grade-level work?

1. **How can we give access to the assessment? Do students know the students know what the questions are asking?** To answer this question, we reviewed released item information and created a matrix of words, question stems, and phrases. We have since used this as a springboard for teams of teachers to create their own matrix of critical test vocabulary. It helps them to understand the demands of the test, optimisim because it really is a limited number of words, and a focus for instruction that permeates all content areas.

2. **How can we increase stamina and persistence?** In an effort to help students increase stamina and persistence we developed a Tool Box. First we use the icons of a tool box and a light blub to trigger positive academic behaviors. The tool box works as a visual reminder of the tools or strategies that teachers are working to help students internalize. In addition, students are likely to get frustrated, it's a normal part of practice and mastery. The light blub is a visual reminder of the skills or strategies that students to help when the feel frustrated e.g. get a drink, put their head down, go on to the next question etc... The visual icons are taped to the student's desk for the teacher to reinforce skills on a daily basis.

In addition, we suggest that at a minimum student complete the tool box as a baseline and then before and after benchmark testing. It would not be surprising that at a minimum students would not be able to list a lot of strategies that are being provided to them on a daily basis. However, with practice and reinforcement, students begin to internalize positive academic and social behaviors.