Independence Day

Purpose

Students analyze their performance, noting where they are independent learners, where they need assistance, and how they might improve.

Materials

• Assessment to analyze
• Independence Day matrix handout (printed for each student)
• Independence Day template – Math, Science, Social Studies (English/Spanish)
• Independence Day template – RLA (English/Spanish)

Instructions

1. Before the unit assessment, students predict their grade.
2. After the test, students record their actual test grade.
3. Students use the Independence Day matrix to place check marks in the boxes reflecting their level of dependence/independence.
   • Tools to Know: Can you get started on your own?
   • Content: How well do you understand the unit concepts?
   • Ways to Show: Can you demonstrate you know this in multiple ways?
4. Students develop a plan for becoming more independent learners.
5. Observe students’ thinking, clarify/verify as appropriate, and support students’ independence plans.

Classroom Management

• Model the strategy using a think-aloud.

Differentiation

• Promote access by allowing students to process ideas with a supportive peer/adult and encouraging students to focus on the Tools to Know questions as the first priority.

Think It Up!

• Have students think more deeply about the concept by responding to a Think It Up prompt as an exit ticket or journal entry:
  • Summarize your plan to become a more independent learner.
  • Draw a conclusion about why you did better than, worse than, or exactly as you predicted.
• Encourage students to use lead4ward’s Thinking Stems (English/Spanish) to frame their responses, if needed.