MSA Test

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Fourth Grade Teachers Chatboard

MSA Test

by Natalie

Jul 12, 2012

Just received my MSA test (state test) scores and I am floored! This is my first year teaching and I felt as if my students understood the concepts and they even did fairly well on the practice test. Even my high flyers went down from last years test scores. I feel as if I have failed my students. Can any provided any additional insight into the 4th grade mind and why they under perform on these test?

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B-MI On 7/12/12, Natalie wrote: > Just received my MSA test (state test) scores and I am > floored! This is my first year teaching and I felt as if my > students understood the concepts and they even did fairly > well on the practice test. Even my high flyers went down > from last years test scores. I feel as if I have failed my > stud...See MoreOn 7/12/12, Natalie wrote: > Just received my MSA test (state test) scores and I am > floored! This is my first year teaching and I felt as if my > students understood the concepts and they even did fairly > well on the practice test. Even my high flyers went down > from last years test scores. I feel as if I have failed my > students. Can any provided any additional insight into the > 4th grade mind and why they under perform on these test?

The students are under pressure for performing well on the tests. Maybe something happened that day that influenced their attitude (problems on the playground, lunchroom, or building).

I know in MI, when the students started showing improvements, the state would change the test and make it harder. Test results plunged.One year the vocabulary in the math test changed. We then taught the new vocabulary and what does the state do? Changed it back to the original voc. the next year. I was prepared: taught old and new words.

Also, remember, the practice tests are usually VERY easy. I think it gives the students a false sense of confidence. Then they just really don't concentrate on what is being asked of them.

Another thought: Third grade students and tests are quite different than fourth graders and harder tests (more is expected from them).

Years ago, I proposed that all 4th grade teachers (at that time only 4th graders were being tested) boycott giving the test. That went over like a lead balloon! I was even called into the principal's office to hear how badly my students had done...but I then pointed out, this test was given in October and I had them only one month! Before that we gave the CTBS (standardized CA test of Basic Skills), our state/district did very well. But then the state got on the bandwagon and decided to create their own state test. Now the test is being given in January and teachers are being held accountable for the results. Sorry, I got carried away. I hope you find some answers, and you see more positive results next year.

Jul 13, 2012

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LS On 7/12/12, Natalie wrote: > Just received my MSA test (state test) scores and I am > floored! This is my first year teaching and I felt as if my > students understood the concepts and they even did fairly > well on the practice test. Even my high flyers went down > from last years test scores. I feel as if I have failed my > stud...See More

Jul 24, 2012

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