Kimbrell's Korner
January 8, 2018
SCIENCE
Fifth Grade Collaboratives for all that teach science:
Fourth Grade Collaboratives for all that teach science:
Please make sure to complete your Google Classroom Assignment to receive credit for the October session.
VOCABULARY
The 7 Steps...
- Teach students what to say when they don't know what to say
- Have students speak in complete sentences
- Randomize & Rotate when calling on students
- Use total response signals
- Use visuals and vocabulary strategies that support your objective
- Have students participate in structured conversations
- Have students participate in structured reading/writing activities
Step 6 - Have Students Participate in Structured Conversations
Asking students to talk with each other using specific language about a clearly defined topic is called a structured conversation. Structured conversations allow students to share ideas and points-of-view with each other.
A simple strategy that weaves structured conversation into instruction is QSSSA or (Question, Signal, Stem, Share, Assess).
In this strategy, the teachers asks a QUESTION and the students give a response SIGNAL when they are ready to answer. Using a sentence STEM, students are asked to SHARE their response with one or more peers. Lastly, the teachers assesses the quality of the discussion by selecting a few students to share their answers with the whole class.
ELAR
- The window for MOY Literacy Assessments is open until January 31st. Please refer to your specific grade level’s assessment schedule for which students to administer the DRA2 to. Also please make sure to pay attention to where your grade level Cap’s the DRA2. If you all have any questions please let me know. The literacy scores will need to be entered into Aware by the end of January.
- 2017-2018 Collin County Poetry Contest-The 47th annual Collin County Poetry Contest will be accepting entries now through February 1, 2018. For more information about the contest click HERE.
- English & Spanish STAAR Stems can be used to develop formative assessments and provide clarity around PLC Questions 1 & 2 during Collaborative Planning. These stems could also be used for Reader’s Response.
MATH
Optional Simulations
If teams choose to administer a simulation, we should utilize the 2017 released STAAR test. Simulation scantrons for Math, ELAR and SLAR will be offered. Please note that the simulations are optional and are used to gather formative assessment data to inform instruction. Like CBAs, these assessments will not be taken for a grade.
Simulation Window:5th Reading/Math - February 19- March 9
4th Writing- February 19- March 9
4th Reading/Math- April 2-April 20
3rd Reading/Math- April 2-April 20