Instructional Services Newsletter
October 4, 2019
First Edition
According to John Hattie, the author of Visible Learning, the greatest impact a teacher can leverage to boost student achievement is “collective teacher efficacy.” In the simplest of terms, in the combination of teachers believing that all students can learn regardless of their background and knowing through their expectations, actions, lesson design, and measurable objects, they had the greatest impact on student learning.
The instructional services team we appreciate your steadfast commitment to our students and applaud your dedication to “making a difference.” The purpose of this quarterly newsletter is to provide teachers timely information and tools to assist you in maximizing your impact on teaching and learning.
SPECIAL SERVICES
IEPs and 504s
District RTI Team Update
For the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years, the District RTI Team will be focusing primarily on behavioral interventions. To frame our work, the team will be conducting a book study on How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behavior by Kaye Otten and Jodie Tuttle. Overall, the District RTI Team will be establishing processes and practices to reach the following goals related to behavioral interventions:
Ensure fidelity of Tier I social/emotional/behavioral instruction and intervention;
Develop a continuum of effective Tier II and Tier III social/emotional/behavioral interventions; and
Provide a collection of resources for social/emotional/behavioral instruction, intervention, and data collection.
CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT & FEDERAL PROGRAMS
District Curriculum Committee
The district curriculum committee will meet once a quarter and is a required meeting as part of the stipend provided for the committee members. The committee is made up of all grade-level reps (PK-6), department heads (7-12), as well as building principals. The meetings will be held at the district office in the upstairs boardroom beginning at 4:15. The dates are October 3rd, December 9th, March 5th and May 4th.
Burrell Health Update
We have referred 170 students for Burrell Behavioral Health services since the start of the 2019-20 school year. Thirty-eight of those students have already been admitted and are receiving Burrell services. The 132 students not yet receiving services are currently working with the Burrell liaison and scheduler to identify a funding source and to schedule an intake/evaluation. Since beginning our partnership, 251 students in Branson schools have received mental health services through Burrell. If you have a student who you believe would benefit from mental health services please talk with your building school counselor.
EOC/MAP Practice Test Info
All teachers in grades 3rd and above that teach core subjects have the option to give their students a digital practice test in the EOC and MAP platform. To learn more about the Practice Assessments available please look at the link for MAP Practice Forms or EOC Practice Assessments.
New Algebra I Curriculum
Teachers at the JH and HS are in their first year of implementing Pearson’s Envision Algebra I program. The implementation of this program creates consistency for students K-9th grade in mathematics.
DIGITAL LEARNING
Tri-Lakes Educational Summit (Nov 8 PD Day)
Willsub Update
We had a 98.98% fill rate for teachers for the month of Aug/September! Thanks for filling out substitute info in advance. The para fill rate was 94.07% for the same time frame. We are still in need of para substitutes so if you know anyone who might be interested, please have them fill out an application on our website.
ALL teachers should be leaving a roster/seating chart WITH STUDENT PICS for the sub. Another sub reminder: subs are here on Fridays until the end of collaboration. I know they do not have students BUT if you need them to stay and make copies, file items, or provide supervision feel free to do that. They are contracted until the end of the day even on Fridays. Also, voice signatures are very important to our subs. Please make sure you have your voice signature recorded ASAP!! Here is a link to the manual, and voice signature info is on page 6.
COPPA Compliant List
Teachers: Please refrain from putting student data (having students make an account or login) to any website that is not listed on this list as approved. If you put student data into a website without permission, you are putting yourself in legal liability if the data get into the wrong hands. If you want to request a website be added to this list, please send your request, a justification of why you would like to use this resource (specifically how it relates to curriculum and instruction), as well as a link to the website's privacy policy to Dr. Brenner, Mrs. Sheets, and Mr. Glidwell. They will let you know if the website is approved and will add the site to the COPPA-compliant list. They are also looking into creating a google form for teachers to fill out for new sites.
Crowdsourcing Administrative Procedure Updated 9/9/19
One administrative procedure that has been brought to our attention has been the use of crowdsourcing websites (Amazon “Clear the List,” Donors Choose, GoFundMe, etc.) where teachers solicit donations to provide educational materials that range from supplying Kleenex to sponsoring field trips. Branson R-IV will not support any type of crowdsourcing at this time. Classroom expenditure requests should be approved through the school budget. Exceptions to this practice must be approved by the school principal and the Executive Director of Instructional Services. If a teacher receives special permission for acquiring educational support materials through crowdsourcing, the materials will remain the property of the district, not the teacher
DATA OFFICE
Instructional Services Team
Dr. Michelle Brenner
Mrs. DeAnna Sheets
Dr. Samantha Henderson
Ms. Angela Torix