Curriculum Matters
...but not nearly as much as good teaching!
---------------November 2019---------------
Our 2019 Veterans Day Programs
(SVCS STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY #1 & 2)
OUR RESOURCES & TOOLS
(SVCS STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY #1 & 3)
In our PD sessions, teachers presented helpful strategies for streamlining their curriculum materials in ways that align more closely with grade-level standards. At the elementary and middle schools, teachers are identifying areas of strengths in the EL Reading curriculum as well as identifying areas that need further supplementation such as grammar and process writing. Several grade-level teams have been communicating with teachers in other cities and states to establish support systems for successful integration of the 4 modules. This kind of collaboration is important and insightful for our teachers.
OUR STRATEGIES & TEACHING METHODS
The number one focus of professional development is to improve teaching and learning. The best way to do that is to equip our teachers with best practice in research-based instructional strategies. In our PD days this month, teachers hosted sessions on increasing student engagement, teaching bell-to-bell, and effective parent communication strategies. High school teachers brainstormed ways to utilize the library space in more purposeful ways that incorporate higher levels of student engagement.
OUR GROWTH & PROGRESS
(SVCS STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY #1 & 3)
Assessment literacy was discussed in a few PD sessions during November, and teachers presented on topics such as EdPuzzle, IDOE math frameworks, and high priority standards. This will continue to be a focus in professional development sessions as we are approaching the Winter NWEA MAP Growth tests in reading and math. At the high school level, students have taken the PSAT and the ASVAB. After Thanksgiving Break, the Winter ISTEP Retest will be taken. The current cohort of 10th graders is last group that will take the Spring first-time administration of the ISTEP+ test. The IDOE will be sharing more news at the beginning of December on the tests that will replace ISTEP+ as a college entrance exam and a graduation qualification exam.
Dyslexia Update
(SVCS STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY #1 & 2)
South Vermillion Reading Specialists are designing our corporation's 1st handbook for dyslexia protocol following the Indiana Dyslexia Resource Guide. More information about this legislation can be found by clicking on the link below. All SV teachers will receive training in dyslexia awareness. It is important to note that SV teachers will not and cannot diagnose dyslexia, but the risk factors that indicate the possibility of such a diagnosis.
IDOE's Plan for STEM Education K-12 Integration
"As one of the national leaders in innovative public education strategies focused on future talent development, Indiana is positioned to create a sustainable, collaborative strategy for K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) instruction, curriculum, and career exploration and exposure. To provide a comprehensive, coordinated, progressive, and responsive plan for STEM learning expansion, IDOE has created this Indiana STEM Strategic Plan. This plan provides guidance to all stakeholders in developing and actively creating a thriving, interactive, and relevant K-12 STEM focus."
South Vermillion is poised to develop a thorough K-12 STEM curriculum that is IDOE-approved and fitting for the needs of our students. We are in the learning phase right now as we have visited STEM-certified schools in Indiana and are investigating IDOE grants for STEM curriculum acceleration and preparedness. This is an exciting time to be a South Vermillion educator, but an even more exciting time to be a South Vermillion student!
South Vermillion Community Schools
Together we ACHIEVE
Together we SUCCEED
Email: mbeaver@svcs.k12.in.us
Website: www.svcs.k12.in.us
Location: 800 Wildcat Drive, Clinton, IN, USA
Phone: 812-832-2426
Facebook: facebook.com/SouthVermillionCommunitySchoolCoporation
Twitter: @CurriculumSVCS