Testing

Short Constructive Response – STAAR English EOC

Digital Learning, Lessons, STAAR

I have updated my ACE Short Constructive Response graphic organizer to meet the new STAAR English EOC Short Constructive Response part of the test.

Writing a short constructive response is tricky because the STAAR character limit is 475. My example is 469 characters. I had a difficult time cutting it down to fit that character limit, meaning students will find it difficult too. After using the graphic organizer to draft their response, I suggest having them type it in a Google Doc and check their character count. Then have them revise and edit it until it is 475 or less characters. You could have students compose a response in groups first and have them collaborate together in the same Google Doc to try to edit their response. Collaborating in a group allows them to bounce ideas off one another, receive feedback, and learn from each other. Groups with students of mixed abilities help make this successful. If the group has all weak writers, they will struggle to complete this and won’t learn from each other. Afterwards, print and paste the responses around the room and do a gallery walk (replace the names with group numbers so students are not embarrassed). This allows students to see other responses and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. This strengthens their revising and editing skills when composing their own responses. 

Afterwards, I would have them individually complete responses and see how they do on their own. You could repeat the gallery walk or you could select a few to project and evaluate together as a class (remove the names so students are not embarrassed). Or you could have students partner up and peer review each other’s short response before they revise and edit it. 

Before they start writing their response, you could have them go through the text and highlight possible pieces of textual evidence they could use in their responses. Then have them rate that evidence with 1 being the strongest. Discuss how it’s important to pick the strongest piece of textual evidence to support their answer. 

You could take it a step further by either putting them in groups to discuss their individual rankings or discuss their chosen evidence and rankings as a class. Discussing it allows them to confirm or correct their own choices and learn from their peers. I have included a copy of the Most Dangerous Game that students can use for this activity (it’s in the public domain), or you can use your own text and prompt. 

I usually have them handwrite the rough draft on the Google organizer and I don’t let it leave my classroom so I can ensure they didn’t copy it from online or get someone else to write it for them. I usually have them type the final draft so they can practice typing it as they would on the online STAAR test. They can also use the character count tool for the final draft. See the state STAAR website for character limits as they sometimes change it. I did not include a rubric, as TEA has their rubric posted publicly online. 

 

There is a digital copy of the graphic organizer and gallery walk page (it’s a Google Slide).

Attach the Google Slide to your Google Classroom assignment and select “make a copy for each student.” If you only want one of those graphic organizers, make a copy of the Google Slide and then delete the page you do not want. Rename the copy and use that in your Google Classroom assignment. 

The digital gallery walk is great for putting all the responses a single Google Doc for them to view and rank. Be sure to replace names with numbers so nobody is embarrassed. On Google Classroom, attach the Google Doc with the student responses and select “make a copy for each student” if you want them to leave comments on each response about strengths and weaknesses. Or you can just attach the Google Doc responses for students to view and have them fill out the Gallery Walk paper (or digital copy). 

Check out the state’s free resources and guidelines: 

https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/assessment-initiatives/hb-3906/staar-redesign

https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/testing/staar/staar-released-test-questions

English I and II STAAR EOC Test Prep- Writing

Lessons, My TPT Products

I have taught both English I and English II in Texas. Both grades have an English STAAR EOC test that includes a writing portion. On the English I test students have to write an expository essay. On the English II test they have to write a persuasive essay. I’ve put together the strategies and models I’ve used in my classroom into these materials that you can use. They can purchased in my TPT store. You can either buy a bundle for both ENG I and ENG II or purchase the one you need.

I am in Texas and originally created this for my English II students to help prepare them for the persuasive  or expository essay they would have to write on the STAAR English II or I EOC test. The advice and common mistakes are aimed towards the goal of passing that writing test. However, I have a PhD in Composition and have tried to create this unit to fit best practices for persuasive essay writing in any situation (whether for a standardized test or a dual credit class or in general).

I did not include a rubric because what you are evaluating can change greatly between standardized test, dual credit courses, or general classroom writing goals. If you are using this to prepare students to write a persuasive essay on a standardized test go to your state testing website and look for a rubric. Texas STAAR has a rubric and lined writing paper for the English I expository EOC essay or English II EOC persuasive essay. You can find released Texas STAAR tests here on the state website. You can find the rubrics for the writing portion of the STAAR English I and II EOC here along with other state writing resources.

Here is a preview of what it is in the persuasive bundle:
This writing kit is good for any persuasive essay needs, not just the Texas STAAR test! It has been updated and is now 27 pages long.

It includes:
– 5 pages of writing instructions handouts with detailed examples. It goes paragraph by paragraph.
– It has two versions on the example. One version has notes about the organizational structure.
– Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
– A list of transition/linking words
– A persuasive essay outline map for students who need a short structure guide
– Outline with the organization structure labeled
– Blank outline (some states allow blank organizers to be used on standardized tests)
– A list of types of evidence with definitions
– A list of 12 persuasive writing prompts
– 12 Persuasive Essay Writing Prompt Cards
– Notes for the teacher on how to use this kit

Here is a preview of what it is in the expository bundle:
This expository essay writing kit is 25 pages.

It includes:
– 4 pages of instructions on how to write the essay. It breaks the essay down paragraph by paragraph with examples. Includes the introduction with an attention getting device and thesis statement, body paragraph structure, transitions, conclusion, etc.
– An example essay with and without a dissection of its parts
– An outline graphic organizer with the components labeled
– A blank copy of the graphic organizer (some states allow this on state tests)
– A list of common mistakes and advice
– A handy outline map to briefly remind students of the structure (handy for students with IEPs for additional handouts)
– A list of transition (linking) words for student reference
– A list of 12 expository prompts
– A set of 12 expository prompt cards that can be printed and laminated for student use
– Notes for the teacher with tips on how to use this kit.

+More about the writing prompt cards+
The prompt cards allow for practice with various prompts. You can print each prompt on a different color paper (the duplicate of that prompt should be the same color as the original). You can laminate them then have students choose a topic at random to write about. The second time around they merely pick a different color to ensure they get a different topic. Included is a blank set of cards for your own prompts.