Reason Number One: Our emphasis is on individualized guided practice that helps your child to deepen their understanding of important concepts, rather than focus on rote memorization of facts. Having a deeper understanding of concepts will help your child apply information in real-world contexts, which is what is tested on standardized tests such as the MCAS. Take a look at this question from the biology MCAS:
This question does not test a student’s ability to memorize information, but instead to demonstrate a solid understanding of the concept of genetic mutation. Looking at the answer choices, choices B, C, and D all cause genetic mutation. However, the key thing to look at in this question is what is mutated. In this case, it is a small mutation of one amino acid being substituted for another. Your child should have learned about genetic mutations and that DNA contains the genetic information for coding proteins that make up our appearance. If a strand of DNA is mutated, then it would make a mutated copy and code it for a different protein during protein synthesis. Of these answer choices, substituting one nucleotide in DNA could cause this change, while the other two types of mutations cause changes on a much larger scale. The best answer in this case is answer choice D. By teaching our students to focus on key words in questions and answers, we help them to improve their thinking and problem solving skills, which in turn will translate to higher scores on tests.
Next time, we’ll talk about another reason that IES is innovative. If you liked this blog, be sure to check out our website, www.iescentralmass.net , look out for our upcoming YouTube channel, and like us on Facebook and Instagram. And if you think we can help your child, please give us a call at 508-213-8421 or email us at info@iescentralmass.net.
About the Author:
John Marderosian is the founder, owner, and operator of Innovative Education Solutions. He has more than 15 years of experience improving student outcomes and closing achievement gaps, as well as increasing the capacity of teachers to accomplish the same with their students.