[NOBE-L] Reading and math assessments and virtual teaching

[Jackie Larrauri]

Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well and having as good a start to their year as possible.
As some of you are probably teaching virtually, I wanted to come on here and ask what platforms you have been using, and whether those have been accessible. I have only had experience with zoom and Canvas, so would appreciate hearing from others who may be using Microsoft teams, Google Meet, Google classroom, Schoology, Seesaw, or any of the other platforms out there.
I was also wondering how you all go about conducting and recording assessment data for things like reading and math? Specifically, how do you administer assessments like the Pals or DIBELs where students might have to read a passage while you note any errors, substitutions and the sort? Do you Braille all of the material ahead of time or do you use a computer and notetaker? How do you keep track of data? I unfortunately did not have a chance to practice with these as my semester was cut short last year because of the pandemic. How do you administer entry or mid-year math assessments?
Last, what have you found to be the best method for calling on students or knowing when their hand is raised? In the past I have had students say their name if wanting to answer or ask a question, but I worry that this might interfere with other school wide expectations of raising their hand. I know that both behaviors serve the same function, but do not want to interfere with how specials teachers or teachers in future grades might do things.
Thank you all for putting up with my endless, probably annoying questions!
Jackie