How are teachers helping non-proficient students become proficient?

Not only are teachers teaching above and beyond the PSSA test, they are also using previous scores to help better prepare students. During the annual curriculum review, academic areas are attempting to align their curriculums with the state standards. Although this has been done before, teachers are trying to not only model and mirror the PSSA standards, but they are also trying to add additional information and requirements that even better prepares the students. For example, the PA state standards requires students to “Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction including poetry and drama” (Standard 1.3.11.F). Instead of simply having the students read and respond to the pieces of literature, the teachers are also requiring that students can respond in various ways including writing short stories and essays, creating multimedia projects, identifying what constitutes fiction and nonfiction and be able to categorize various works under their designated category. Thus, every academic area can cover the material, and more, that will help every child be successful on the PSSA’s. In addition, the teachers are made aware of the students who have performed at either a basic or below basic level. The teacher develops lessons and supplemental materials that both address the PA standards and also meet the needs of the individual students. Any non-proficient student also has the opportunity to have an individual learning plan and have full access to Study Island at both school and at home to improve their skills and knowledge.