Points of Pride
September 15, 2019
Parent/Teacher Conferences...
In addition, if you would like some support in "game planning" for a conference, I am more than happy to help as well.
When in doubt, just support the facts and let parents make inferences from there. You can't argue with the facts.
Power Law for Grading...
After sitting and discussing with Brandie Harris on Thursday, I think this is because of the district moving towards the "Power Law" and not averaging grades (again, only for standards-based part of report card). This four minute video does a great job of explaining the transition and why it's being used.
Essentially, for rubric grades, you need at least three pieces of evidence in the gradebook for it to populate a grade. Once grades have posted at the end of the quarter, you can still go back through and override.
After going to an administrator meeting and talking with the leadership team, I feel that we absolutely need to have some more discussions on grading practices. Get through the first quarter and we will start these discussions on October 23 (campus PD day). I would encourage you to not have anything for quarter two input into IC prior to this date, as we will start with setting up the gradebook for best practice.
Quick Hitters....
- All elementary administrators will be on our campus on Thursday for our monthly meeting. If possible, please leave the front parking lot open so that our guests can park.
- SRP Grant: SRP is doing a Touchdown for Teachers grant. Every time the Arizona Cardinals score a touchdown, they draw the name of a teacher for a $500 grant. The application consists only of name, address, school address. SUPER EASY!!
- Science Curriculum Input Wanted: The science department is looking for teachers willing to help select new supplemental curriculum. There are four meetings scheduled from 4-7 in the coming months. If you are interested in representing SPE, let me know ASAP.
Upcoming Events:
- 9/16-9/20: B Week
- 9/16: New to SPE Meeting @ 3:10
- 9/17: School Council @ 3:30
- 9/18: 1:55 Release-PLC
- 9/19: Elementary Admin Meeting @ Settler's 7:45-1:30- All library specials will be in teacher's classroom
- 9/20: 7:15 Faculty Meeting; PTSO Luau Social @ 5:30-7:30
- 9/23-9/27: A Week and Book Fair
- 9/25: 1:55 Release-PLC
- 9/26: 11:55 Release-Parent Teacher Conferences; PTSO dinner @ 5:00-6:30
- 9/27: 11:55 Release-Parent Teacher Conferences
Half Day Schedule Information (9/26 and 9/27)
Specials for the week of 9/23:
Monday: Normal Monday Specials
Tuesday: Normal Tuesday Specials
Wednesday: Thursday Specials
Thursday:
- 8:10-8:40: 5th Grade
- 8:45-9:15: 6th Grade
- 9:20-9:50: Kindergarten
- 9:50-10:20: Second Grade (Lunches Start @ 10:10, so PE may need to be outside around 10:00)
Friday:
- 8:10-8:40: First Grade
- 8:45-9:15: Fourth Grade
- 9:20-9:50: Third Grade
BOY ATI Data....
Please know that BOY data is often more of a reflection of the previous grade level. In addition, growth data is now the name of the game. I shared earlier this year that an administrator in the district often says that "Proficiency tells you about your demographic, while growth tells you about your teaching." With that being said, this is worth a view, but not necessarily worth spending a ton of time on.
Student Video Resource
He comes up with short (five minute clips) that answer a question like "Why do people get goosebumps?" and "How deep are the oceans?"
This resource could be great to get your students talking and thinking critically about things. Maybe used at snack time or a brain break?
As always with technology, ensure that it fits with what you are already doing or has a set purpose (also watch them beforehand-I haven't seen anything inappropriate, but different things are acceptable for different ages).