Five Secrets for Increasing Student Achievement BEFORE Creating Lessons

Secret # 1:
The textbook is a tool, not a curriculum.
Texas and California buy the most books
The number one priority for textbook sales is textbook sales, not state standards.


Secret # 2:
Teaching how to test is a waste of valuable learning time (though often necessary)…
…but teaching to the test is a good thing.


Secret # 3:
Student achievement will increase when you think like the test-makers.
ETS & Riverside create the tests by using the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards to guide them.
Therefore, if you teach to the test, you are teaching to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards…at least for now…National Standards are coming!
http://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/


Secret # 4:
Teach to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and the test will take care of itself.


Secret # 5:
A good teaching plan (curriculum map) will improve test scores.