biology eoc July 27, 28, 29

TEA binder #2 along with TEA powerpoint.
End of Course testing comes into play 2011-2012. TEA says the tests will be much more rigorous than previous tests. "fewer, clearer, deeper" is repeated as far as information about the questions.
Students will need to pass three science tests (or score a minimum number of points on the three whereby they could do well on one fail one and still be able to graduate).

The question as to whether or not one should take IPC should not be taken lightly. IPC is not going to be tested. There will be tests for biology, chemistry, and physics. If a student takes IPC freshman year and one science class per year after freshman they will be banking on passing a test the spring of their senior year to be eligible to graduate if they aren't on the minimum graduation plan. If on the minimum graduation plan a student would take IPC (no test) and Biology (EOC) and would only have to pass the one EOC test.

Methods to help kids were discussed including word walls, defining using the Frayer model, more group work, and hands on activities in the classroom. 40% of classtime should be lab or field investigations.

Another idea was shared; having kids create videos demonstrating labs. This would help enrich curriculum for some kids and if shown prior to a lab would reinforce the instructions for the lab and give the students a clearer picture as to how to proceed with the lab. This would require some planning ahead, but would certainly be workable.

a few added nuggets;
a couple of books:
Science Formative Assessment: 75 Practical Strategies for Linking Assessment, Instruction, and Learning
Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom: Strategies and Techniques Every Teacher Can Use to Meet the Academic Needs of the Gifted and Talented

Glen Wokenfeld performing Food Chains a musical lecture is linked in posting below

using formative assessments fairly often to gauge student learning (can help indicate need for RtI or ELPS work)

oil from algae from Solazyme