Data Driven Success
how to make the data work for you.
Teach to the test, but not the way you think
Think to teach from the finish line back to the start line, so that when it comes time to be assessed you'll know that the students are prepared, and you'll know that what you ask them will be relevant and cohesive to your lessons. There is such a thing as TOO MUCH information, so streamline and be efficient. Keep it clean for them.
Practice makes perfect!
Don't wait till STAAR time to expose the students to formal testing, and testing in general. Just as a sports team practices hard and uses game time to showcase their abilities and hard work, so should students! Give them weekly or bi-weekly assessments, formal or informal, so when it's time to "put up or shut up", the kids will not feel the pressure to succeed.