Leaders Leading Learners
Curriculum & Instruction Newsletter October 16, 2015
Affirmations
Coaching Tip
Jim Knight --Focus on Teaching
Core Content Area News
All PRINCIPALS
District Based Assessments
District based assessments will be kept confidential and will not be previewed by teachers. Teachers who would like specific information regarding the content of the DBAs should access DBA blueprints. Two sample questions will be included on the blueprint to model the rigor of the assessment. Instructional Coaches will be given information on Friday and will be able to assist teachers.
At-Risk/RtI Qualification Criteria
The At-Risk/RtI Qualification Criteria has been set and may be accessed by clicking here.
Jill Morris is working to compile the reading and math data in order to identify the students who qualify for Tier 2. Principals will receive an email with links to their campus spreadsheets and instructions for verifying and correcting the data on the spreadsheets. Data services will use these spreadsheets to auto-fill the Tier 2 indicator and the At-Risk, K-3 Readiness indicator in eSchool. Spreadsheets must be completed by October 28. Please contact Kristen Beesaw if you have any questions.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS
ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment Information
ESTAR/MSTAR Universal Screeners should be complete and entered into the AWARE Student Inventory. If not done, please complete ASAP so data for Snapshot can be compiled. Students who received a Tier 2B, 3A, and 3B rating on their ESTAR/MSTAR Universal Screener should take an ESTAR/MSTAR Diagnostic Assessment. The window for completing Diagnostic Assessments has been extended by the state from Friday, October 23 to Friday, October 30.
SECONDARY PRINCIPALS
Middle School Principals - MSTAR Assessment Information
MSTAR Universal Screeners should be complete and entered into the AWARE Student Inventory. If not done, please complete ASAP so data for Snapshot can be compiled. Students who received a Tier 2B, 3A, and 3B rating on their MSTAR Universal Screener should take an MSTAR Diagnostic Assessment. The window for completing Diagnostic Assessments has been extended by the state from Friday, October 23 to Friday, October 30.
Please remind your zero years' experience teachers that our next NTI meeting will be Tuesday, October 20 from 430-530pm in BHS Silver room 1200.
Professional Development News
Upcoming Events:
Aspiring Principal Academy
Just a reminder that the Aspiring Principal Academy participants will meet for their 2nd Induction Day on Monday, October 19 (8:15-11:00).
AP PLC
The AP PLCs will be Thursday, October 22.
- AM Group- Please register here:
- PM Group: Please register here:
NCUST Network Meetings
The Middle School NCUST Network group will meet on Tuesday, October 20 from 8:30-11:30 at SFA. Please register here:
The Elementary NCUST group will meet Thursday, October 22 from 8:30-11:30 at Branch. Please register here:
Campus Professional Development Requests
If you have specific campus professional development needs, please request training in Eduphoria under Helpdesk.
Bilingual/ESL News
All Principals
PD Opportunities
Region VI has some wonderful staff development opportunities for your teachers this fall!
The different offerings can all be found on the Region VI website calendar at: https://www.escweb.net/tx_esc_06/catalog/calendar.aspx
Elementary Principals
Bilingual Framework:
The week of October 19 will be week "A" for our Bilingual Framework.
Special Education News
All Principals/AP
IDEA Part B Federal funds
Supplement vs Supplant – Please keep in mind that Under IDEA, section 613(a)(2)(A)(ii) (34 CFR 300.202[a][3]), Part B funds must be used to supplement state, local, and other Federal funds and not to supplant those funds. Example: All students receive lined notebook paper, however a student receiving occupational therapy would need notebook paper with raised lines. Therefore, the notebook paper with raised lines would be supplemental and funded with IDEA Part B funds. This holds true for supplies/materials for classrooms as well. If all general education classroom teachers receive pens, paper, pencils, etc, the special education teacher would also receive those materials/supplies from the campus, unless of course the need in the classroom is above and beyond – supplemental to the needs of the other students.
Curriculum & Instruction Department
Email: leslie.holtkamp@bryanisd.org
Website: www.bryanisd.org
Phone: 979-209-1049
Twitter: @bisdambassador