SOAR to Success Chart Document
SOAR to Success on the MCAS!
Student Name
"Effort is the fuel that powers your flight. Use this guide to navigate your way to earning SOAR Bucks during our MCAS practice and testing!"
Win Big with Your Effort!
Every SOAR Buck you earn is an entry into our Grand Prize Drawing! Prizes include Beats by Dre, Target Gift Cards, and more!
The Flight Path: Dos and Don'ts
DO THESE (Earn Bucks!)
- • Ask clarifying questions when instructions aren't clear.
- • Use test-taking strategies (eliminating wrong answers, highlighting).
- • Show resilience by trying every single problem, even the hard ones.
- • Manage your time effectively—keep moving and pace yourself.
- • Review your answers carefully before finishing the session.
- • In groups, participate actively and support your teammates.
AVOID THESE
- • Giving up or leaving a question blank because it looks "too hard."
- • Rushing to finish just to be "done" first.
- • Distracting others or losing focus on your own task.
- • Waiting until the last minute to ask for help on a tool or direction.
- • Clicking through questions without reading the full text.
- • Closing your booklet or laptop before checking for errors.
What your teacher is looking for:
Your teacher will be observing these behaviors during every session. High-effort behaviors lead to more entries into the grand prize drawing!
Focus
Persistence
Checking Work
*SOAR Bucks are awarded based on teacher observation of effort, not just correctness. The more you earn, the better your chances to win!
Effort Award Guide Teacher Resource
Effort Award Guide
MCAS Success through Positive Reinforcement
Purpose & Philosophy
The SOAR Bucks system is designed to shift student focus from the high-stakes outcome of the MCAS to the observable behaviors that lead to success. By rewarding effort, we build student stamina and resilience.
"We aren't just rewarding correct answers; we are rewarding the process of thinking, persisting, and checking work."
The Grand Prize Drawing
To maximize engagement, students enter their earned SOAR Bucks into a drawing. High-value prizes (Beats by Dre, Target Gift Cards) create a powerful incentive for consistent effort over time.
Drawing Frequency
Consider weekly small drawings and one large Grand Finale drawing after the final MCAS session.
Entry Management
Students should write their name on each buck and place it in a central "Flight Box" or "Success Bin."
Awarding SOAR Bucks
Practice Sessions
- Frequent Feedback: Hand out denominations ($1-$5) immediately for observable strategy use.
- Peer Leadership: Reward students who model positive focus or help peers understand directions.
Actual Assessment
- Silent Observation: Note students who check work or persist through difficult items.
- Delayed Awarding: Hand out bucks after the session to maintain a quiet testing environment.
Student Effort Tracking Log
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Soar to Success Slides
SOAR to Success
Earning SOAR Bucks on the MCAS
What is "Effort"?
Using your strategies.
Managing your time.
Showing resilience.
"Effort isn't just about the right answer. It's about how hard you work to find it!"
The Flight Path
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✓
Ask clarifying questions.
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✓
Use test-taking tools.
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✓
Stay focused on your task.
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✓
Try every difficult problem.
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✓
Review your work at the end.
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✓
Participate in group practice.
Big Rewards!
Every SOAR Buck you earn is an entry into our Grand Prize Drawing!
Beats by Dre
Target Gift Cards
And much more!
The more you SOAR, the more you WIN!
Ready for Take-Off?
Show us your best effort today. Stay focused, be resilient, and get your name in that Grand Prize Drawing!
Earn Rewards
Grow Your Brain
