P1: Second Semester Updates
We are now settled into the second semester. Let’s talk about what that means.
For returning students, we will focus on Part 1 of the exam to get your multiple-choice scores where they need to be. The protocol will be the same for every assignment, whether it is assigned individually or to everyone:
- Take the practice test through Castle Learning.
- Get the correct answers and an explanation for each answer through Castle Learning.
- Write metacognitively about each question, answer, concept, etc., and submit that writing through Google Classroom.
- Conference with me about the results.
Look to Google Classroom for formal assignments and updates. We will return to timed writing in April or May, depending on the need.
For returning students who passed the Regents Exam in January, we will use this class either as an academic lab or as prep for another Regents Exam. I’ll talk to you individually about your needs. You can also opt out of this class now and move into a study hall, if you choose.
If we receive new students, they will be given a full practice exam to take through Castle Learning. As soon as they finish, I will meet with them to analyze the results and devise an individual course of study for the next few months.
For everyone, regardless of focus, this remains a pass/fail course that uses profiles to assess your performance:
We’ll rely primarily on in-class discussion to track progress toward one half or the other of that handout. I will also communicate progress through progress reports and the column in Infinite Campus labeled GAPQ3C (for third quarter) and GAPQ4C (for fourth quarter).
Remember that this classroom is a makerspace, which means it is about experimenting in order to solve an authentic problem. That applies to Regents Exam prep, too. We are looking for solutions to the problem of passing an exam.
That makerspace philosophy is also how we will use the space to hack other aspects of school for those of you who passed the exam and choose to remain on the roster. It will also help returning students universalize some of our test prep.
You can ask questions in the comments section here. I’ll respond so that everyone can read the answers.