Student-Centered Preparation for State Testing.

What a great idea! This article presents a student-centered problem-based learning method to help students and teachers prepare for mandated state testing. I especially like that students a... See More

What a great idea! This article presents a student-centered problem-based learning method to help students and teachers prepare for mandated state testing. I especially like that students are given project choices, as well as presentation options. The checklist is clear and makes assessment easier, and the directions are clear and easy to follow. While this article was written for Virginia State Learning Standards, the ideas presented could be easily adapted for any state’s standards. The only change I would make (other than not including spring break in the time frame) would be to write the learning goals or standards in more student-friendly language. The language used by the state in writing the standards tends to somewhat convoluted and difficult to understand – especially by middle grades students. Overall, this article presents an excellent student-centered idea on how to engage and prepare students for mandated state testing, which I am very anxious to try.