- At the start of the year, all students are given the Brigance Inventory math probes to identify skill gaps and generate granular data that is actionable.
- Students are then grouped by very targeted skill level and placed in differentiated math groups. Groups are smaller for students who need more support.
- In math classes, students work through an online subtraction program that adapts to their level based on ongoing Brigance progress monitoring. This enables personalized pacing and instruction with the goal of mastery learning.
- The online program incorporates UDL by teaching concepts through videos, games, manipulatives and peer discussions. Students have agency in their learning path.
- Teachers closely monitor student progress on each skill using the ongoing subtraction probes. Students must demonstrate mastery before moving to the next skill.
- For students who struggle with particular skills, the teacher provides small group instruction using visual models and physical manipulatives to solidify understanding.
- When the Brigance assessment shows a student has mastered a set of skills, they move to the next level class. Advanced students have access to online enrichment modules.
- Math learning is supplemented through math stations and tutoring during the school day to provide additional practice on unmastered skills.
- Students track their own mastery progress using a digital badge system, working toward new subtraction milestones. This motivates continual growth.
Here are some more strategies:
With the granular data provided by diagnostic probes, paired with responsive mastery learning and UDL implementation, teachers can effectively address skill deficits and provide enrichment. This data-driven approach personalizes instruction to support two sigma gains.
- Use probes for diagnostic assessment. The granular data identifies exactly which subtraction skills each student has or has not yet mastered. This enables highly targeted instruction.
- Set up skill-based learning stations. Students work on mastering subtraction skills through multimodal stations - visual models, manipulatives, collaborative activities, technology - to suit different learning needs.
- Implement small group, differentiated instruction. Teachers can provide direct instruction to small groups, focusing on the particular skills students need to master based on probe results.
- Develop a mastery tracking system. Probe results are tracked and students advance through differentiated subtraction modules only when mastery is demonstrated. This ensures content is not missed.
- Offer scaffolding and support. Based on individual probes, teachers know when to provide scaffolding for students who are struggling with particular skills in the subtraction curriculum.
- Incorporate continuous progress monitoring. Short formative subtraction probes help teachers continually monitor and address learning gaps to support growth for all learners.
- Encourage student ownership. Students chart their own subtraction skill development using graphs or charts. This helps motivate them to master all skills.
- Provide enrichment activities. For students who quickly master concepts, probes indicate skills and activities they are ready for. This continuous challenge reduces boredom.
The Brigance Inventory of Basic Skills is an assessment tool that measures academic skills in reading, math, and other subjects. Here are some key details on the subtraction portion of the math tests in the 1999 version:
- The Math Benchmark Screening Test includes 15 subtraction problems testing a student's ability to subtract single-digit and double-digit numbers. Problems range from straightforward vertical subtraction (e.g. 42 - 9) to problems structured as word problems.
- The Subtraction Readiness Test includes 8 problems testing subtraction readiness, such as recognizing the minus symbol, counting backwards, and solving simple subtraction facts like 5 - 3.
Subtraction Targeted Skills Assessment Probes test specific subtraction skills in 16 tasks:
- Recognizing minus symbol
- Solving subtraction facts 0 to 5
- Counting backwards from 10
- Vertical subtraction without regrouping
- Vertical subtraction with regrouping
- Mental subtraction with 2-digit numbers
- Word problems - missing addend (e.g. 7 + __ = 10)
- Word problems - comparison (e.g. Jan had 8 apples. Tom had 5 apples. How many more apples did Jan have?)
- Subtracting 9 from teen numbers
- Subtracting 10 from teen numbers
- Subtracting from 2-digit numbers without regrouping
- Subtracting from 2-digit numbers with regrouping
- Subtracting from 3-digit numbers without regrouping
- Subtracting from 3-digit numbers with regrouping
- Solving number sentences with subtraction (e.g. 10 - 6 = __)
- Checking subtraction with addition
So in summary, the 1999 Brigance assesses a wide range of subtraction skills from basic recognition and facts to multi-digit problems structured as real-world word problems. The focus is on understanding the subtraction process and building computational fluency.
Here are some ways you could use data from the Brigance Inventory subtraction probes when designing lessons using mastery learning, UDL, and gamification:
- Identify learning gaps. The probe results would show me which subtraction skills students have mastered and which ones need more work. This helps me target instruction.
- Group students. I can group students based on skill level determined by the probes, allowing me to tailor activities and pace of mastery learning.
- Design multimodal activities. Following UDL, I can use the data to create lessons that teach subtraction concepts through different forms like visual models, physical manipulatives, and interactive games.
- Create choice boards. Choice boards with activities at different levels let students work at their zone of proximal development. Subtraction probes inform which activities students are ready for.
- Develop personalized learning paths. Using principles of mastery learning, I can have students work through sequenced subtraction modules, only moving on when they demonstrate mastery on a probe.
- Include rewards and badges. The gamification element can include reward systems like points, digital badges, and leaderboards to motivate subtraction practice. These are earned by passing subtraction probes.
- Inform adaptations and modifications. For students who struggle with certain subtraction skills, I can use the data to provide appropriate accommodations, modifications, and support.
- Assess and regroup. Use the probes as short formative assessments. When mastery is achieved, regroup students and adjust activities to build on their skills.
The key is using the granular subtraction skill data to implement targeted, engaging instruction at the appropriate level for each learner. Ongoing probes and progress monitoring then help track and support their math progression.
- The Math Benchmark Screening Test includes 15 subtraction problems testing a student's ability to subtract single-digit and double-digit numbers. Problems range from straightforward vertical subtraction (e.g. 42 - 9) to problems structured as word problems.
- The Subtraction Readiness Test includes 8 problems testing subtraction readiness, such as recognizing the minus symbol, counting backwards, and solving simple subtraction facts like 5 - 3.
Subtraction Targeted Skills Assessment Probes test specific subtraction skills in 16 tasks:
- Recognizing minus symbol
- Solving subtraction facts 0 to 5
- Counting backwards from 10
- Vertical subtraction without regrouping
- Vertical subtraction with regrouping
- Mental subtraction with 2-digit numbers
- Word problems - missing addend (e.g. 7 + __ = 10)
- Word problems - comparison (e.g. Jan had 8 apples. Tom had 5 apples. How many more apples did Jan have?)
- Subtracting 9 from teen numbers
- Subtracting 10 from teen numbers
- Subtracting from 2-digit numbers without regrouping
- Subtracting from 2-digit numbers with regrouping
- Subtracting from 3-digit numbers without regrouping
- Subtracting from 3-digit numbers with regrouping
- Solving number sentences with subtraction (e.g. 10 - 6 = __)
- Checking subtraction with addition
So in summary, the 1999 Brigance assesses a wide range of subtraction skills from basic recognition and facts to multi-digit problems structured as real-world word problems. The focus is on understanding the subtraction process and building computational fluency.
Here are some ways you could use data from the Brigance Inventory subtraction probes when designing lessons using mastery learning, UDL, and gamification:
- Identify learning gaps. The probe results would show me which subtraction skills students have mastered and which ones need more work. This helps me target instruction.
- Group students. I can group students based on skill level determined by the probes, allowing me to tailor activities and pace of mastery learning.
- Design multimodal activities. Following UDL, I can use the data to create lessons that teach subtraction concepts through different forms like visual models, physical manipulatives, and interactive games.
- Create choice boards. Choice boards with activities at different levels let students work at their zone of proximal development. Subtraction probes inform which activities students are ready for.
- Develop personalized learning paths. Using principles of mastery learning, I can have students work through sequenced subtraction modules, only moving on when they demonstrate mastery on a probe.
- Include rewards and badges. The gamification element can include reward systems like points, digital badges, and leaderboards to motivate subtraction practice. These are earned by passing subtraction probes.
- Inform adaptations and modifications. For students who struggle with certain subtraction skills, I can use the data to provide appropriate accommodations, modifications, and support.
- Assess and regroup. Use the probes as short formative assessments. When mastery is achieved, regroup students and adjust activities to build on their skills.
The key is using the granular subtraction skill data to implement targeted, engaging instruction at the appropriate level for each learner. Ongoing probes and progress monitoring then help track and support their math progression.
