Chapter 12 - Assessment

I have implemented the Problem-Solving Model twice this school year.  In one student, I noticed low test scores in math during the first nine weeks.  Then I noticed how low her math MAP and Benchmark scores were (much lower than the "norm").  With this information, I conferenced with her mother who told me this child had always struggled in math.  I have a friend (a former fourth grade teacher) that comes in once a week and tutors this child in math.  During the first nine weeks the mom was very receptive of the student attending our RtI class once a week.  After her scores did not increase, she refused to allow her daughter to continue attending the RtI math class now and miss related arts.  I have another student whose MAP scores are just below the "norm", but his performance on quizzes, tests, and projects in the classroom doe not reflect this.  He is failing all but one content area.  I did refer his to the school psychologist.  He was tested, and his tests showed him just below grade-level.  He does not have any classroom accommodations, but I have taken it upon myself to do a few things to help him.  Instead of learning 10 spelling words, I have him learn the five third grade word wall words that week.  I also give him extended time to test, give him multiple choice questions instead of short answer, and often let him answer questions orally.

Currently, I can't think of anything that I am forgetting or not doing for either of these students.  I am in constant contact with both parents.  I am providing everything that I can at this point to both students.  One student's mom has refused Rti, and the other does attend.  However, there is no help for the second student in reading, social studies, or science.  He make failing grades in each of these subjects, and I don't know what else I can do at school to help.  He does not have any support at home.  He is often alone while his mother sleeps (she works nights).  She told me that she only went through second grade and cannot help him in any way.

I have offered to help him before school and after.  He rides a bus, and mom said she couldn't have him at school earlier.  I am sending him to both the math tutor and to math RtI weekly.  With this student not qualifying for any accommodations or modifications, I have to take it upon myself to send him for any help that he gets.  I plan to put him on the Compass program in the mornings.  This will have him working on the areas he needs help in.  He also needs some type of motivation.  I am working on a self-monitoring behavior plan for him, and I hope we can see some improvement in his grades and work.