Retesting in Math Class

Do you allow students to retest?

Do you have a system for retesting?

Testing and grading is necessary for any classroom environment. Students need to know from their teachers how well they are performing. To measure that performance a test is required. Is it okay to give a test more than once? Do you allow your students to retest if they do not perform well the first time? 

Retesting in Math Class

Retesting and grading can be done many different ways. Some of the most popular ways to grade are with letters (A, B, C) or for mastery (on target, progressing). Regardless of your grading system, grades need to be distributed fairly and given with regularly.

In the last blog post “Grading Math Assignments”, a grading system for math tests was explained. It’s important to know how to properly grade a math test before it is given. The key components for grading need to be in place to give a fair test. 

Key Components for Retesting

1.       Why retest?

What’s the point? Why are you retesting? What are you assessing? The end goal should be apparent. For example, the students need to know how to add integers. The retest should reflect the student showing that they understanding that skill.

2.       What to test?

What do the students need to know? For example, the students need to know how to add integers. The test should then only be about adding integers. There should be no confusing or off topic questions. Keep the goal simple. Keep the test goal aligned to the content.

3.       When to retest?

Students need to be given a time after the first math test to stop and reflect. After being given a test the first thing the students look at is the grade. “Wow I scored a ….!” The reaction then gives way to automatic self-reflection. Students instantly know why they scored the way they did. They don’t need a four point scale to know why they didn’t earn a passing grade. Students know for themselves if they prepared, practiced, and know the material. 

4.       How do you retest?

When your students are ready to retest you can be ready. Have a retest form already prepared. What’s your plan? Tell your students what they need to do to retest. Click HERE to use the retest form in Math class. 

Retests are opportunities for students to show growth.

Retesting in math class doesn’t have to be difficult. Make a plan. How do you want to retest? What will be on the retest? When will you allow your students to retest? The next time your students take a test think about how you will give retest opportunities too. 

Want to learn more about helping your students with Test retakes? Watch the PD Video today! >>Click HERE<< 

Happy Teaching! 

Math Read Aloud The Greedy Triangle

Do you want to start Math Read Alouds in your class?

Do you want activities that accompany your Math Read Aloud?

Math Read Aloud The Greedy Triangle

The Read Aloud Math series is a monthly blog post about one book that can be used for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8. Every month there is a Math Book Read aloud that will be shared with different resources for elementary and middle school math teachers to use.

This month's Math Read Aloud is "The Greedy Triangle" by Marilyn Burns. The book is not included in the Math Read Aloud packet. You can purchase the book separately HERE. The Math Read Aloud packet includes comprehension questions, discussion questions, math craft activity, teacher directions, and a read aloud report.

August's Read Aloud Math book "The Greedy Triangle" is great book to read to Upper Elementary and Middle School students. The Geometry concepts make real world connections for students. A fun and engaging way to look at two-dimensional shapes.

The Greedy Triangle Math Activities for Grades 3-5 Features:

✔Discussion Questions {with answer key}

✔Math Shape Craft Activity {with student & teacher directions, and pictures}

✔Math Shape Writing Activity {2 versions}

✔Read Aloud Report {response paper with & w/out rubric}

Click HERE to view the Preview for Upper Elementary students. 

The Greedy Triangle Math Activities for Grades 6-8 Features: 

✔Discussion Questions {with answer key}

✔I Want More Sides Activity {with answer key}

✔Design a Math Shape Activity {with student & teacher directions, and pictures}

✔Math Shape Writing Activity {2 versions}

✔Read Aloud Report {response paper with & w/out rubric}

Click HERE to view the Preview for The Greedy Triangle Middle Math Activities.


Looking to add more Read Alouds to your Math class this year? Join the Math Read Aloud Series today!

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What's a Math Read Aloud?

Do you do Math Read Alouds with your students?

What types of Math Read Aloud books do you use?

Do you read any Math books to your students?

What's a Read Aloud in Math class look like? 

A Read Aloud is when the teacher is reading a book aloud to students. A Read Aloud in Math class is the math teacher reading a math book (not the textbook) aloud to students. When we read to students, we help students practice listening skills and invite them to engage with the text if they might not be able to read it themselves.

Choosing a Math book to read aloud can be a challenge. You want to pick a book that is on their level, contains grade level appropriate math content, and is easy to discuss after reading aloud. There are many books out there that claim to be "math", but fall short on the content. 

What's the Math Read Aloud series? 

The Math Read Aloud series is a monthly blog post about one math book that can be used for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8. Every month there is a Math Book Read aloud that will be shared with different resources for elementary and middle school math teachers to use. This is an easy to read series that any math class can benefit from. Included are teacher directions, student activities, and discussion questions. 

>>Click HERE for Episode 1 in the Math Read Aloud Series.<<

Why should I read in Math class? 

Reading is important. Have you ever looked at your school's test scores at the end of the year. Really looked at the overall test scores? Let's use a sample school's data called ABC middle school. So ABC had 78% of students score on grade level or above for ELA and only 70% of students score on grade or above level for Math. Is this typical data? Yes. Why? To do today's math you need to not only know your arithmetic skills, but you need to read and synthesize information. This is where Read Alouds help in Math class. 

Sign up to join the Math Read Aloud Series every month! 

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Apollo 11 Moon Landing Math Activities 50th Anniversary

Did you hear about the 50th anniversary coming up? 

Do your students love incorporating science into math? 

Are you preparing for a Moon Space Unit? 

Over fifty years ago three men did the impossible. They orbited the moon twelve times, then on the thirteenth orbit, the Lunar Module separated and landed on the Moon. 

Apollo 11 Moon Landing 

Aldrin and Armstrong had done it. They successfully landed on the Moon. A historical event. They were the first humans ever to land on the Moon. But the story doesn't end there. It was like Christmas morning, they were so excited they had arrived on the Moon that they skipped their scheduled rest. They had just travelled four days through space and were supposed to rest? No. They suited up. Where were they going? To take the first Moon walk. 

The First Moon Walk 

You probably have heard Armstrong's famous speech at least twice, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Such an amazing accomplishment for the United States! Share this year's 50th anniversary with your students. 

Download Click >>HERE<<

Apollo 11 Moon Landing Activities

The Apollo 11 Moon Landing Math Activities for grades 3, 4, 5 will engage your students in the history of science with math content. Activities include Lunar Landing passage, Making a Moon Landing, and Apollo 11 Math. Students will enjoy watching the Moon Landing video and responding to the historic event.

Download Click >>HERE<<

Students can also create their own lunar landing module. This is a low prep project that can be differentiated for students. Provide engaging learning memories that your students will never forget. 

Happy Teaching!