Stems
Within the stem grid, the gold tiles represent the major standards within the framework that require intensive focus. They are likely to be the most emphasized on standards-aligned assessments.
The blue tiles are the supporting standards that assist students in strengthening those major areas of emphasis.
This color coding helps teachers quickly identify power standards. All of the color-coded tiles represent a stem. A stem is simply a way of asking a question. Each tile represents a different question stem or a different way of asking a question within the standard listed on the tile.
Here, we have a second-grade standard OA.1 (question stem 1) (show preview image), OA.1(2), and OA.1(3). Take note that each stem will have dynamic answer choice types mirroring standards-based assessments with academic language and rigor.
This hover-over preview of the question stem also allows you to see specifics regarding the standard, claim, target, and question type.
Once you drag and drop the stem into the assignment bank, you can also preview the stem by clicking on the gallery icon. Then you can click "Close" and continue building the assignment.
On some of the tiles, you will see a film reel icon, indicating that there is a standards-based instructional video available for students to view.
Printed Assignments
To view a stem in printed format, click "Printable" near the top right-hand side of the screen, then locate the stem you want to assign. By clicking once, you will automatically create a printable assignment with questions from the chosen stem.
To populate more questions, but with different nouns and numbers, click "refresh" at the top left-hand side of the screen in the orange bar.
To add more questions to this PDF, click "Add Question".
To remove a question, click "Remove Question".
This will allow you to use the same stem to create multiple assignments for your students.
Online Assignments
To view a stem in the online format, click "Online", then locate the stem you want to assign. By clicking once, you will be taken to the student experience within the platform. Click the double arrows next to the standard to view additional information such as claim, target, and DOK level.
To populate more questions, click "Next Question" in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. This will allow you to practice working through problems with your students using the same stem, but with different nouns and numbers.
To go back, click "Previous Question".