Insect or Mammal?
“Butterflies aren’t mammals?”
My students were completing a writing task on the evidence of evolution when Maya* asked me that. (name changed)
I was shocked because Maya was one of my top students. She didn’t make less than a 94 on an exam all year.
How on earth had she made it to 9th grade without learning what a mammal was?
Then I remembered what I learned during one of my graduate school classes.
In most places, standardized testing for science does not begin until 5th grade
Most elementary teachers are generalists and are often uncomfortable with teaching science
The result?
In the majority of the United States elementary school science instruction is inconsistent AT BEST. In many areas, the intense focus on raising test scores means science is sacrificed to increase reading and math instruction.
But what’s that got to do with Maya not knowing what a mammal was in the 9th grade Dr. J????
Just because students didn’t receive the instruction doesn’t mean our standards and pacing guides aren’t holding them responsible for knowing it.
Yes it’s nonsensical.
Especially because district & state personnel absolutely know wtf is happening.
They know the inconsistencies in instruction means we can’t predict what gaps students might have.
And still, our standards are overstuffed and we get mad sideeye if test scores are looking funky.
No acknowledgement of the structural issues caused by federal, state, & district policy in sight.
WAIT! Before you throw your hands up in anger, there are still things we can do to support our student in learning the foundational material they missed and growing their confidence to rockstar levels.
One way is by thinking through the information students need to be successful at an assignment but your don’t intend to assess.
For example, discuss what makes an organism a mammal or an insect before asking students to use comparative morphology to determine to which category a mystery organism belongs.
I’ll be dropping more strategies over the next few weeks and be on the lookout for my March masterclass where I’ll be discussing them in detail.
As always, the masterclass will be included in The Lab.
If you’re tired of feeling as drained as dehydrated Spongebob then it’s time for you to jump into The Lab Rockstars where you can get a year individualized support without the 1:1 price to help you support students in reaching your high expectations
(Pssst. Your admin can totally pay for your Lab Rockstars access! Click here for an email template you can slide in their inbox.)
Have a fabulous week. Give yourself some grace!
Stay curious y’all,
Dr. J
