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Teaching Middle School ELA

Episode 294: Use These Four Words Everyday With Your Students and Watch Your Test Scores Skyrocket

Jul 23, 2024
Caitlin, an experienced educator, shares impactful strategies for boosting student test scores. She introduces four game-changing terms: claim, premise, evidence, and justification. Incorporating these into daily lessons can transform reading and writing instruction. They not only enhance literacy but also foster critical thinking and collaborative skills. Caitlin emphasizes that these simple words will engage students and improve their argumentative writing, leading to impressive gains in comprehension and confidence.
21:29

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Incorporating the terms claim, premise, evidence, and justification in ELA lessons significantly boosts student comprehension and test scores.
  • Shifting focus from standardized test scores to fostering resilience and interpersonal skills enriches the overall educational experience for students.

Deep dives

Impact of Common Language in ELA

Utilizing a common language in English Language Arts (ELA) classrooms can drastically enhance student performance, especially in writing. When teachers consistently incorporate certain key terms into their curriculum, students become more proficient in expressing their thoughts and engaging in discussions. For instance, one educator observed a 13% increase in seventh-grade test scores after integrating these crucial terms, illustrating that even a slight shift in teaching strategy can lead to significant improvements. Adopting a shared vocabulary not only aids in students' understanding but also fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can better articulate their ideas.

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