Ms. Shelby Schroeder has seen multiple benefits in student learning from offering retakes in her classroom. "Kids have good days. Kids have bad days." When kids have a second chance, she feels her students take on a more positive mindset, they don't give up on themselves right away, and it helps her build a relationship with them. "They know I'm willing to help them. When I give them the choice of a retake for a 2, they say, why wouldn't I?" Ms. Schroeder has set a classroom culture that encourages students to strive to do their best. This includes the opportunity (or possible requirement) to relearn and retake a math quiz over a power standard. Ms. Schroeder has some guidelines to make sure retakes are successful.

Ms. Schroeder requires students who receive a 1 (area of concern) to retake the assessment. It is optional but highly encouraged for students who receive a 2 (progressing towards standard). Relearning usually takes place during class. Ms. Schroeder differentiates her lesson for this time so that every individual is receiving practice in an area that meets their individual needs. Sometimes, Ms. Schroeder has the class spiral back (Everyday Math) to work on skills previously learned or to work in Prodigy, a computer-based program that allows students to work on individual goals.

When it comes to grading the reassessment, both the original assessment and the retake are recorded in the grade book so families can see the student's progress. In addition to seeing student reflection, the reassessment process has helped Ms. Schroeder to be reflective as well. It has given her insight on whether specific skills seem to be sticking, where to go next, and what to cover again later on.

Thank you for allowing us to come into your space and learn about your reteaching process, Ms. Schroeder! Check out the resources below to learn more about recommendations for reteaching and retakes from Rick Wormeli, ASCD, and Edutopia.