Heyburn Elementary School, in the Minidoka School District, found an interesting way to keep their students focused and doing their best on the Idaho Standard Achievement (ISAT) test. The Times News reported yesterday that the school is using colorful rubber ducks with student’s names written on the underbelly to remind students to practice good test-taking skills, read questions twice, and stay focused.
The ISAT test is a statewide student assessment required by No Child Left Behind that is administered to students in grades 3-10 to provide ongoing monitoring of individual, school, district, and state progress. The ISAT measures proficiency in four key areas: reading, language usage, mathematics, and science.
The ducks, which are part of the “Lucky Duck” test incentive program, are placed near the student’s computer as a reminder, but if the student fails to focus during the test, the duck is taken away. Those who earn a proficient score, raise their score from last year, or do their best in their teacher’s estimation get to float their duck in a plastic wading pool from which 10 names are drawn each day and awarded prizes. Signs around the school, such as “Get your ducks in a row,” encourage students to do their best on the tests.
Does your school or classroom use another innovative or fun way to motivate students to do their best? Let us know!