Math Assessment Profile

From the beginning of September through the beginning of December in 2010, I worked with a 5th grade class. After observing several math classes, I noticed that one of the students was struggling with fractions, specifically simplifying fractions. I completed a math assessment profile on this particular student so that I could pinpoint his math challenges and give him some extra one-on-one math tutoring. The following link leads to an assessment profile showing some interview questions, planned tasks, discussion, and an overall analysis of the student's math abilities and challenges. https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1kcBDKHjiTA9qmel_Vv3dFugeYu9cLnI266POTx0AigE

Hands-On-Minds-On Math!

I believe that manipulatives need to be incorporated into as many math lessons as possible, no matter what the grade level. These include visuals, artwork, pattern blocks, geoboards, tangram pieces, candy, cereal, or anything else your students can touch and sort. The more the students can both see and touch the math concepts they are exploring and learning about, the better they will understand and be able to apply the math to problem-solving. The more they use their hands, the more engaged and interested they are in the lesson. I have noticed that if they have something to work with in their hands, they are more focused and do not get as easily distracted or bored. The following link provides a fun, hands-on lesson plan through which I taught probability word problems. https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1JkHbRDBNX_MtQJYQJ-S5Dp2g2vzcd8xKosOD7VNDzq4

Below, I have included some photographs of this manipulative math lesson.

~To the left are two 5th grade students working cooperatively to write their own probability word problem.

~Pictured below are the manipulatives I used to teach this lesson. The styrofoam cups are labelled by table numbers, so each table got a cup with a handful of skittles inside it to work with.

~Pictured below are some sample probability word problems written by the students:

Background Information

A little bit about me...

My name is Jacquelyn Poirier and this is my professional online portfolio. I will graduate from the University of South Alabama in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I will be certified to teach K - 6 grade. I am currently working with and teaching 5th graders, but have had experience with 2nd grade as well. I would like to be able to have experience teaching all grade levels. I love learning as much as I love children, and want to encourge my young students to be curious and eager to learn as well!

Fun facts:

~RED is my favorite color!

~FALL is my favorite season!

~CATS are my favorite animal!

~NEW ORLEANS is my favorite city!

~READING is my favorite thing to do!

~I can't pick a favorite food, since I love to eat such a large variety!

~I am the oldest of six!

Reading Assessments

Teachers must have helpful ways to assess their students. By assessing their students individually and as a whole group, teachers can see more clearly what their students need and how they themselves can teach them more effectively and meaningfully. Assessments can be done formally or informally, and it is best to use a combination of both in your elementary classroom. There are several ways to assess reading in particular.

Assessments do not always have to be written assessments, but can be oral as well. One informative way to assess reading is to simply ask questions about what the student is reading. I ask questions about the setting, the plot, the characters, etc. I also ask the students comprehension questions and teach them strategies to use as they read, so that they fully understand the content of what they are reading and what it means.

Another way to assess reading is to pull an individual student aside along with a book, a pencil and a piece of paper and do a quick running record. Running records are helpful in assessing students’ reading fluency and word decoding skills. They also provide precise documentation to show principals, reading coaches, and parents where the student is in their reading development and learning.

A third way to assess reading is to utilize a Dominie Kit for lower elementary grades, or a QRI Kit for upper elementary grades. QRI stands for Qualitative Reading Inventory, and assesses word decoding skills and fluency, as well as comprehension. I have done all these different types of assessments in the elementary classroom.

The following link is a summary on my reading assessment of a 5th grade male student. https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1GSpBMWH1x50hD33zqV7KRmUuByLtxNaVVctbEaKEpzA

Explanation of 5 Essential Components

1. PHONEMIC AWARENESS — The knowledge and manipulation of sounds in spoken words.

2. PHONICS — The relationship between written and spoken letters and sounds.

3. READING FLUENCY, INCLUDING ORAL READING SKILLS — The ability to read with accuracy, and with appropriate rate, expression, and phrasing.

4. VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT — The knowledge of words, their definitions, and context.

5. READING COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES — The understanding of meaning in text.
Must be based on scientifically based research.
Must include classroom-based screening, and instructional and diagnostic reading assessments.
Should provide ongoing, high-quality professional development focused on essential elements of reading.


For a more detailed and in-depth explanation of the 5 essential conponents of reading, please click on the following link to read my position paper on reading instruction: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1f0i0F8QG3dhmtoMWJjvaD_sjnrJBih_8Ut5gbJo2LbY