Imagine that you are meeting with Ingrid's grandmother today to explain her scores on the recent standardized achievement test pictured at the bottom of p. 559. What will you tell her about Ingrid's performance? her strengths? her weaknesses?
If I were meeting with her grandmother about the recent standardized test scores, I would discuss with her, first, the areas in which Ingrid did the best. I would begin by discussing Ingrid's reading comprehension score and how she excelled in this subject area by scoring in the 92nd percentile. I may discuss with her how Ingrid has a high interest in reading, and her reading comprehension score reflects that. She has excelled well beyond the average score. Next, I would talk about her scores in science and social studies. While the scores are not as high as reading comprhension, I would tell her that Ingrid is still doing exceptionally well in both subject areas, and while she may not show as much of an interest in these areas, she does understand the concepts and is able to reflect her knowledge on a standardized test. Finally, I would discuss with her grandmother the last three categories of the test: spelling, math computation, and math concepts. It appears that Ingrid is having difficulties with math and spelling. She seems to grasp math concepts a little better than math computation. As far as spelling, this subject seems to be difficult for Ingrid also. The spelling score is somewhat out of the ordinary (in my opinion) considering the very high score she received in reading comprehnsion. I would tell her grandmother that in order for Ingrid to gain more skills in spelling and math, I would identify where she is struggling along the continuum, then supply hre with the practice she needs.
If grandmother asks you what she could be doing at home to help strengthen Ingrid's skills, what will you suggest?
I would suggest practicing math and spelling skills at home, and I would also suggest that practicing these skills do not have to be done by doing worksheets or monotonous work. Math computations and comcepts could be explored and practiced through cooking together or even creating crafts together, such as sewing (if that happens to be a hobby). Spelling could take place at any moment also. Her grandmother could help strengthen these skills by possible reading more complex books (since she is very good at reading comprehension). Possibly they could read books together. While Ingrid is doing well in science, social studies, and reading cmprehension, I think it is important to remind the grandmother that she can still support Ingrid with these activities.
You really show how thoughtful you are in the variety of ways you describe for the grandmother to help. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteBrian