40 Days to STAAR

I've searched through all of my video resources to create easy-to-use tools for grades 3 - Algebra 1. Each day has three 5-minute videos (1 teaching + 2 STAAR practice). In just 8 weeks, you'll review the ENTIRE grade level curriculum and be ready to master the STAAR test using released STAAR items, updated to include questions from redesign practice and the 2023 STAAR test.

If you'd like to get straight to the good stuff, please click the button below. If you'd like to know a little more about the design of the 40 Days to STAAR, or even how you can personalize the quizzes with a custom, self-populating gradebook, keep reading.

Design

The 40 Days to STAAR tools for grades 3 - Algebra 1 math are designed to be worked through over eight 5-day weeks. The topics covered align perfectly with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and can be found in Column B of each linked spreadsheet. The TEKS are worked through in sequential order rather than by reporting category (Column A).

Use

Students should start each day's work by watching the learning video (Column D). This will explain the concept and highlight any relevant vocabulary before moving into application. Next, students should watch the practice problem videos (Columns E & F). Each video has a moment to pause around the 30-second mark. For maximum benefit, students should pause the video then and work out the problem on the screen before continuing to watch the video in its entirety.

Quiz

The last column (G) on each sheet has resources for each 5-day (week) period. The first is a self-grading Google Form quiz of each related practice problem from that period. Within the description at the top of each quiz is a link to make of a copy of the Google Form for your own use. This copy can be personalized to meet the needs of your classroom.

Slide deck

The last column (G) on each sheet also has a slide deck with each video embedded on a different slide. The slide deck automatically opens in presentation mode for ease of use. Slide 2 contains a simple table overview with links to each day's videos. If desired, you may play the video directly from each slide. Additionally, a QR code has been placed on the top right corner of slide. If students would rather watch the video on a tablet or device, they may do so by aiming their device's camera at the QR code. The quiz for each 5-day period can be accessed in Column G (see section above) or on slide 18 of each slide deck presentation.

Personalized STAAR quizzes

While some of us might be satisfied with having our students work through these 40 days individually, some of us yearn for more. Using a simple Google Form, I've created a way to enter your class roster and create a personalized gradebook for your 40 Days to STAAR. This gradebook automatically populates your students' results from each quiz and allows you to keep tabs on which TEKS might need extra attention in a single glance. You can purchase this powerful tool on the 40 Days to STAAR page using the Buy Now button.

Learn more by watching the video below.

Note: The slide decks in 40 Days to STAAR each end with a link and a QR code to the quiz. These links/QR codes are NOT personalized. Be sure to use the new quiz links included in the Quiz Links tab of the gradebook.

Lessons Learned from the 2023 STAAR

Teachers can also take advantage of my analysis of the 2023 STAAR. These in-depth analyses examine the statewide item analysis report for each grade level. Specifically, they look at which questions students struggled with most, what caused that struggle, and instructional implications for educators.

• 3rd grade lessons learned

• 4th grade lessons learned

• 5th grade lessons learned

• 6th grade lessons learned

• 7th grade lessons learned

• 8th grade lessons learned

• Algebra 1 lessons learned

Rationale

The world has changed forever because of COVID-19 and education is struggling to keep up. These videos are simply the small part I am playing in trying to make the world a better place. I don't believe in standardized, high-stakes testing but my disapproval will not change their existence. Ultimately, I'm on the side of students. As long as they have to suffer through STAAR tests, I'll be here to help them along.

These resources are all free. If you'd like to support my efforts, you can do so in three ways.

1. Share this blog post with friends, colleagues, and even your children's teachers. If you post on Twitter or Instagram, please tag me @five_math.

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