Test-Savvy Principal #2: Accountable Talk

The 2nd Test-Savvy Principle is Accountable Talk.  Accountable Talk is one of the nine researched-based Principles of Learning as categorized by the Institute for Learning (IFL) at the University of Pittsburgh.  IFL states that, "The Principles of Learning are condensed theoretical statements summarizing decades of learning research. They are designed to help educators analyze the quality of instruction and opportunities for learning that they offer to students." Accountable Talk is about talking to others about our work and being able to clarifying our thinking about a given topic.  The one who is talking is the one who is learning or clarifying their thinking.  In many classrooms, teachers do much of the talking, thus much of learning.  In the Voicethread posted below, we will look at Accountable talk in action.  The test-savvy strategy being used the is Word Problem Rework.  The student is in the 3rd grade.  Consider: 1) What does the student know about the concept?  2) Where is the student on the continuum of learning from concrete to representational to abstract?  3) What misconceptions is she student grappling with? 4) If you were her instructor, what might your next steps be?  Please note, this is the students first "rework" and her first Voicethread.  Please feel free to leave a comment (feedback) for the student, as she will learn from what others have to say.