Ritter's Recommendations
Resources/Tools
Book Recommendations
Math Formative Assessments by Page Keeley
The Highly Engaged Classroom by Marzano
Engaging in Cognitively Complex Tasks (I'm doing a training on this as an option for summer learning!)
Digital Resources
Edueto is a free tool to create online assessments that can be accessed on any device. The following templates are available:
- multiple choice
- fill in the blank
- matching
- writing
- sorting items into categories
- equations
- picture tagging
- sequencing items
Literably - Digital Running Records - Literably is a free app and website for reading. Students read the passages on the app or site aloud and the recording and score on the comprehension questions are shared with the teacher.
PhET - PhET is a collection of science and math interactive computer simulations. With over 200 million simulations delivered to date, students learn through exploration in an animated, game-like environment. PhET simulations encourage inquiry, use real-world connections and can be used in a variety of educational settings. Play with existing simulations or run simulations on this engaging. Grades 2-12.
My Storybook - Allows students to create and share their own stories.
Booktrack Classroom - Booktrack classroom creates an immersive reading experience which allows students to read with a movie-style soundtrack. Students can read booktracks already created or create and publish their own.
Gooru - This could be a great site to find supplemental resources in addition to the units of instruction. Gooru is a free, educational search engine for online resources and lesson plans in science, math, social studies, and language arts. Teachers and students can search for and curate collections of multimedia resources, digital textbooks, videos, handouts, games, and quizzes. Collect and gather information into "My Collections" and "My Classes" categories. Grades K-12. Tip: You and your students can customize an existing collection or create your own "playlist of learning resources."
Flippity allows users to create on online Jeopardy-style game show quiz.
FlipQuiz is a Jeopardy-style game that is great for reviewing information.
Local Professional Development Opportunities
STOM - With the new MO Learning Standards coming out and with science standards being so different, I strongly recommend this PD, especially if you are on the Science CDC team. This highly regarded professional development opportunity includes sessions on topics including the science and engineering practices, using modeling pedagogy, scientific argumentation, and overall three-dimensional science teaching that is crucial to the proper implementation of NGSS and the new Missouri Learning Standards. Upon certification, you will have a clear understanding of the 3 dimensions of modern science teaching (disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), crosscutting concepts (CCCs), & science and engineering practices (SEPs)). The first session will be held on April 9, 2016, where you can learn about Science and Literacy with Dr. Wendy Saul. Dr. Saul is a national leader in the integration of science and literacy, and also does research on creativity in science. The next meeting will be May 7 with Dr. Jerry Valadez, discussing equity in science education. Dr. Valadez is the NSTA Director of Multicultural/Equity in Science Education and leads training across the country. Other sessions have included several different experts in science education, such as: Page Keeley, Dr. Juliana Texley, and Mariel Milano.
Southwest RPDC - Fantastic Fraction ProgressionsThis is not a sit-n-get! Expect to leave with concrete and practical lesson ideas to take back to the classroom! Come have fun learning about the sequence of elementary fraction development! Understanding the vertical alignment of content and having an awareness of the span of fraction learning is important for successfully teaching students! This workshop will demonstrate the content expectations for each grade level from 3-5 and highlight the importance of conceptual building blocks and pivotal shifts. This workshop is a great opportunity for vertical learning of elementary teachers as they identify grade-level content as well as develop and understanding of prior knowledge and student next-steps. This workshop is a relaxed, fun, powerful, summer learning opportunity!
Southwest RPDC - Student-led Learning
Formative assessment practices are two-sided, one is that of informing instruction, the other is involving students in being integral participants in the learning and assessment processes. So, how do we teach students to think critically and metacognitively? In this workshop, teachers will explore and engage in a variety of strategies that will assist in developing students who understand the learning targets; know what quality work looks like; set goals and action plans; crafting and using descriptive feedback to advance their learning; revise and revisit their work; and self-assess, monitor, and communicate their learning to others. According to John Hattie in his book, Visible Learning for Teachers, "Assessment Capable Learners" when implemented with fidelity, has the highest impact on student achievement of all the domains. This workshop is designed for K through 12 teachers. A continental "Smart Start" breakfast will be included. Lunch will be on your own.
Southwest RPDC - Instructional Toolbox Training
Fill your instructional tool-box with research-based, effective strategies proven to increase student learning! This workshop focuses on strategies for differentiating, engaging, and assessing. Leave with the tools you need to personalize instruction and develop students who actively participate in their own learning through goal-setting, reflection, and self-assessment.