Student Grade Progress Analysis

The first quarter just ended and Benchmark Test scores are in! I am excited that most of my students received advanced and proficient on their tests…I guess I am doing something right! At this time in the school year I have my secondary U.S. History and Civics students complete the Grade Progress Chart. On this form, each student keeps track of their yearly State Test, quarterly Benchmarks and unit tests.  Each month, they analyze their test scores and determine what they can do to improve their grades. My students keep this form in their Interactive Notebook. It’s rewarding to see my students get excited when they improve their scores.

What similar strategies do you use in your classroom? 

 

The American Revolution Video

This is a funny and entertaining video when you teach the American Revolution.

 

 

 

See my  product on my TpT store:

EKG Timeline -American Revolution Activity

My First Blog Post

My first blog post!

 Wow! I can’t believe I am finally writing my first blog post. I am a history teacher and would like to share some strategies that really work – they really do!!!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my teaching strategies act as a sleeping potion for  my often struggling students. Often I feel energized and on top of the world.  Other times, however, I fall flat on my face and wonder if I have created brain damage.  With a lot of trial and error I have learned a world full of unique and entertaining strategies for getting the mystery out of history – my students even like it!
 

A little bit about myself…. I am currently teaching 11^th grade U.S. History and 12^th grade Civics.  Since I have obtained my credential I have taught just about every secondary social science subject: 7^th grade World History, 8^th grade U.S. History, 9^th grade Honors World History, 10^th grade World History, 11^th grade U.S. History, 12^th grade Economics, 12^th grade Civics, 12^th grade Civics online and an Adult Ed. Citizenship class. You could say, “I’ve been around!”

I am currently teaching in an urban school district in Southern California. Most of my students are English language learners and often severely economically deprived.

I am a Master Teacher, Teacher Coach, Department Chair and a member of the Leadership Team at my school. Because I am part of the Leadership team I am the first group of teachers who get trained in the current, research-based, teaching strategies.

Because of my extensive training, I am able to use a wide variety of teaching strategies including Gradual Release of Responsibility, Constructing Meaning, SDAIE, Cornell Notes, Costa's Questions, etc…  Because of the new teaching techniques I have learned, I no longer get those blank stares and robotic head nods.

 So, if you are struggling for new ideas and activities to keep your students from severe clock watching, you might find my ideas helpful.  Not only are my students awake, they are interested and having fun. They are also learning something.  Wow!!!

 You may be wondering, how can I get some of these new strategies?  You have come to the right place.  I will also be sharing some of my successful teaching strategies and giving away free items on my blog. I am also a “teacherprenuer” and I sell my teaching techniques and strategies on my website -TeachersPayTeachers.com. You too can make your history classroom fun and exciting! But, don’t spend hours “re-inventing the wheel”. Follow my blog and you will get everything you need to make history fun!

Please check out my store:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chalk-Dust-Diva

Please consider “following” me. I am constantly posting new items, conducting sales and giving away free activities!

Chalk Dust Diva