In the Know
An Internal Newsletter from the SISD Communications Dept.
STAAR Test Review Committee Connects to Sherman ISD
Our district is home to the best educators in the state of Texas. Many of whom are utilizing their talents to enhance public education. Most recently, Teresa Dooley, who teaches United States History at Sherman High School, utilized her talents to serve on the Texas Education Agency State Assessment Item Review Committee for US History.
The committee represents the state of Texas geographically, ethnically, by gender, and by type and size of school district. The item review committees work with TEA to review the revised test items to judge the appropriateness of item content and difficulty, and to eliminate potential bias. Dooley was nominated this past year and proud to serve and represent Sherman ISD.
“The STAAR Item Review Committee process involves approximately 20 US History teachers from all over Texas who represent districts large and small,” she said. “We start at 8:30am and work until approximately 5:00pm. They provide us breakfast and lunch because it is a long and arduous day.”
Dooley says that the three day process allows for teachers across the state to provide valuable input and critically review questions that will be included on the US History STAAR test.
“We read 20 questions at a time, noting anything that we see as an issue such as bias, grammatical errors, making sure the question matches the TEKS, or if the question is too easy or hard,” Dooley explained. “During the review process all teachers have a voice if they wish to share a concern. Sometimes many will agree on the concern and the test question is modified or scrapped, depending on the issue we have with the question.”
TEA states that maintaining the security and confidentiality of the Texas student assessment program is critical for ensuring valid test scores and providing standard and equal testing opportunities for all students. During the item review process, test security and confidentiality is top priority.
“Security is very high and we are instructed that no technology is allowed at the table during the readings. Test booklets and other documents used during the readings and reviews are collected at the end of the day and we sign a security oath to ensure a higher level of security.”
Although the process is long and rigorous, Dooley values the inclusiveness and believes that it is needed to ensure all students receive an equitable test.
“TEA representatives are careful to allow all teacher on the committee to have their voices heard,” she said. “The meeting has an atmosphere of high professionalism, a high level of respect for all, but the tension is broken with a few laughs throughout the day.”
Are you interested in serving on an item review committee for TEA? Click the link below to access the recommendation for educator committee form and nominate a fellow educator from Sherman ISD today. For additional information on Teresa Dooley’s process, feel free to email her at TDooley@shermanISD.net.
SmalTalK with Smalskas!
Assistant Superintendent of Student Engagement & Support, Dr. Tamy Smalskas would like to share helpful information on classroom procedures, management, discipline and student behavior. If you have any questions or helpful tips you may use inside of your classroom, please feel free to reach out and share with Dr. Smalskas at TSmalskas@ShermanISD.net.
Hello Bearcats!
Today's SmalTalk is going to focus on classroom management and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support.
What is PBIS?
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, kids learn about behavior, just as they learn other subjects like math or science. The key to PBIS is prevention, not punishment. Here is a list of reasons why PBIS work:
Reductions in major disciplinary infractions, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse.
Reductions in aggressive behavior and improvements in emotional regulation.
Improvements in academic engagement and achievement.
Improvements in perceptions of organizational health and school safety.
Reductions in teacher and student reported bullying behavior and victimization.
Improvements in perceptions of school climate.
Reductions in teacher turnover. (OSEP Technical Assistance Center, PBIS website)
Are you implementing a preventive system within your school and classroom behavior management? For this week, evaluate yourself and your school with PBIS strategies.
Click here to read ideas for basics such as designing physical space, setting rule and routines, and many more.
Click here to visit another great resource of ideas for implementing PBIS.
Thanks,
Dr. Smalskas
Classroom Corner
Celebrate Digital Citizenship Week
October 15-19, 2018
#DigCitWeek
Next week is Digital Citizenship Week. Please use this time to review digital citizenship with students and renew your commitments to ensuring all students have the proper tools to interact in a digital world.
Digital Citizens
- Are responsible
- Know how to spot "fake news"
- Understand the risks of online information
Click here for Digital Citizen week classroom resources.
Click here to register for Digital Citizen Week lesson plans.
Health Services
Wal-Mart Pharmacy will hold staff immunization clinics on all campuses throughout the months of September and October. All vaccines are free with Sherman ISD insurance. Please bring your insurance care and click here to access the forms you are required to submit before receiving any immunization. The campus immunization dates and times are listed below.
Thursday, October 11
Neblett Elementary: 7:30am-9:00am
Fred Douglass ECLC: 11:30am-1:00pm
Office 365 Training
Session Date & Time
Friday October 12, 2018
9am-10am
10am-11am
Location-A123
Sherman ISD School Guardian Program Application Process is Now Open
The safety and security of Sherman ISD students and staff are paramount, and the District fully understands that SISD staff are first on the scene in the event of an emergency intruder situation. As a result, the Board of Trustees established local policies CKC, DH, and GKA to facilitate the implementation of a School Guardian Program. This program permits selected and approved employees to receive the necessary training and carry a concealed firearm on Sherman ISD property. An application process is currently available for interested and eligible employees. If you would like to consider applying as a School Guardian, please contact Tyson Bennett, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, at tbennett@shermanisd.net or 903-891-6415.
Maintenance and Operations
The Maintenance and Operations Department is hiring for custodial and grounds crew positions. If you know someone that would be a great addition to the Bearcat family, please have them visit our website at www.ShermanISD.net to apply online or in person in the Human Resources Department.
Take the Oath to Vote!
Upcoming District Events
Oct. 13- Sherman High School Hi-Steppers Dance Clinic
Oct. 15-19 - National School Lunch Week
Oct. 16- SHS Volleyball vs Lovejoy @ 6:30pm (Senior Night)
Oct. 19- Professional Development Exchange Day
Oct. 19- SHS football vs Texarkana @ 7pm (Senior Band Night)
Oct. 22-26 - Safe Schools Week
Oct. 23- Mix it Up at Lunch Day
Upcoming Community Events
Blues & BBQ at Guild Event Center
Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
Lake Texoma Association Mexican Fiesta Trivia Cruise from Lighthouse Resort & Marina
Thursday, October 11th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here. Tickets may be purchased here.
Grayson Crisis Center’s “Power of the Purse” at Ironroot Republic
Thursday, October 11th from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Please see Facebook event here.
Sherman Community Players presents: Little Shop of Horrors at the Finley Theater
Friday, October 12th – Sunday, October 14th
Thursday, October 18th – Sunday, October 21st
Happy Goat Yoga Super Fundraiser: benefiting the Rehab Center at Ebby Halliday
Saturday, October 13th at 10:00 AM
Please see Facebook event here.