Keeping It Simple
MTSS Academic Update February 2018
MTSS and Tier 1: How Strong is our Core?
Before we can close academic gaps we must ensure we have a strong core of quality instruction. This newsletter shares expectations and provides models of how our staff provides quality in our core learning environment.
Tools included in this resource include the following:
- Vocabulary tools from your peers
- Data talks with students
- Setting data driven goals with students
- Displaying Classroom Data
Spring Matrix Look fors in February
- Analyze and Display pretest/baseline data
- Data Day
- ACCESS testing for ESL/ELL
- Begin PDSA cycles
- Workkeys Paper/Pencil Testing
- Progress Reports
- ACT
- Content Specific ERPD
Social Studies and Science Professional Learning
- Keys to Literacy Modules in Canvas: February focus is on Top Down Topic Webs and Two Column Notes
- If you are struggling with the content email tingram@iss.k12.nc.us for support
- Content coaching is available from the district. Email Ms. Ingram if you desire this support.
- K-12 Social Studies from NC Public Schools
Math Professional Learning
Vocabulary Strategies at Work at Pressly
One of the district goals is to foster vocabulary development as a part of student learning.
Your peers have shared some tools. Feel free to contact the identified champion of the strategy for more information.
Vocabulary Rock and Roll
Ask Ms. Mitchell, Middle Science teacher how she increases student engagement beyond the word wall. You may contact her at christina_mitchell@iss.k12.nc.us
Scrabble Activity
See Ms. Gwyn to learn more on how she pushed students to dig deeper into the novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Students were observed flipping pages to search for a word from the text that connected to on their classmate had written. They problem solved how to write the words each on trying to one up the quality of the other. hannah_gwyn@iss.k12.nc.us
Graphic Organizer
Mr. Hudson connects explains the visual model using a graphic organizer. He provides the target vocabulary word, an abstract example (symbol), and the text to explain the meaning. scott_hudson@iss.k12.nc.us
Math Foldable Part I
Mr. Hudson shares this math tool with his students. They place the foldable in the interactive notebook.
Math Foldable Part II
Mr. Hudson provides an opportunity for student to apply symbols to complete their notes.
Interactive Word Wall
Mr. Smith uses a word sort model for his word wall in High School Science.