Assessing using tests

Before I start teaching a times table (see planning), I give all children a test (almost like a cold piece) to see where they already are with it. The link above is good for generating tests.

I give all the children who are at and above the expected level 40 questions of multiplication and division for the specific target we are working on.

For children who are below the expected, I give them just the multiplication.

Depending on their score, I group them in the 20 minute slots. The children who already got 36/40 or more, will have times table word problems during these sessions. The children who got between 20 and 36 (ish) I give them activities around practising facts they found more difficult with problem solving. See this link for ideas of word problem tests.

The children who didn't do the inverse test or scored below 20, I give them intervention style sessions and also more support in the 20 minute slot a week. See ideas.

At the end of the unit or learning that specific times table, I test them again.

If children score 36 or over, I highlight them off in green on the tracking sheet but get them to examine which 4 they got incorrect and spot their mistake.

If children score between 20 and 36, I highlight them in orange. These children will need further support in intervention sessions or through careful grouping in your times table slot.

If children score less than 20, I highlight them in red and give them interventions twice a week (where possible 1:1).

If over 80% of the class get green, I move on. If not, I'll teach that times table for a week or two longer.