Introduction
As an Edcite Schools community member, you’ve already prioritized ensuring students have access to state-aligned practice. Now, it’s time to make sure they understand how to use it! When taking benchmarks, all students can benefit from tutorials that focus on how to use the student tools available in Edcite’s state-aligned student viewer.
Why Use Student Tutorials?
When considering English Language Learners and students with IEPs, hosting tutorials to review online accommodations is essential for ensuring equity. Students who know how to access and maximize their accommodations are much more likely to be successful with online exams!
Grouping Students for Effective Tutorials
The first step is to plan your tutorial groups- who will be grouped together to learn about Edcite? Below are some best practices to keep in mind when planning your testing tutorials:
- General education students with no accommodations: Consider larger group instruction with an overview of the key features of the online test. Allow students to practice with an assessment on Edcite.
- Students with IEPs and accommodations: Consider small group instruction, with an emphasis on specific accommodations. Provide plenty of practice and feedback on Edcite before graded exams.
- English Language Learners: Whenever possible/helpful, consider hosting small group tutorials with someone who can translate into the student(s) home language(s). Emphasize how to access any accommodations available to students and provide plenty of practice and feedback on Edcite.
Suggested Agenda
After you’ve grouped students, planning a concise and effective tutorial is key. Here is a suggested agenda to get you started!
| Agenda Item | Description |
| Introduction | Explain to students that they’ll be learning about the format of their online tests, so their focus for the rest of the year can be on mastering content. |
| Starting a Test | Walk students through how to log into Edcite, and begin an exam. Break the process into easy to understand steps. |
| Student Experience | Project your screen and show students how to navigate from question to question, using the tools available to them. Finish by explaining how students will submit their exams. |
| Practice | Have students take a practice test, utilizing as many tools as possible. Examples: reference sheets, rulers, notes, highlighter, taking a picture of scrap paper. |
| Accommodations | This portion of the tutorial is only necessary for students with accommodations. Consider giving them a brain break or hosting this portion on a different day. Project your screen and model for students where to find the tools available to them as accommodations. Consider completing think-alouds, so students can hear the exemplar thought process when using each accommodation. Allow ample time for students to practice each specific accommodation, walking the room or sitting with students in order to give on the spot support and feedback! |
Conclusion: Empower Students for Benchmark Success
Benchmark assessments can be stressful, but with the right preparation, students can enter the testing environment confident and ready. By providing thorough tutorials – especially for students with accommodations or language barriers – you ensure every student has the opportunity to focus on demonstrating their knowledge, not navigating the technology.
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