Tiger Beat
Acton Weekly Update 1/18/19
FTCSC Hedgehog Focus
The Hedgehog Concept is based on an ancient Greek parable that states, "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." ... Hedgehogs, however, simplify the world and focus on a single, overarching vision, which they then achieve.
Coach's Corner
What a week! It has been great getting to meet each of you and getting to know the students and the school. Acton has such a welcoming, close-knit feeling. I am so excited to be here. I can't wait to get to know each and every one of you better.
I have almost everyone scheduled on my calendar for a classroom visit. If I don't have you on my calendar, I will be stopping by to schedule a time for me to come in and help you in any way you can think of. Feel free to pop into my office or email me with any questions/concerns. Feel free to use me to support you and make your life easier!
Guided Reading:
Have questions about the whole group assessments? The Assessment Teacher’s Guide (in your assessment kits) has Troubleshooting Tip Charts for each assessment given. These charts may come in handy when you see students struggling or exceeding expectations on the whole group assessments. See the following pages for the Troubleshooting Tip Charts:
Reading Interest Survey Tips
Page 28 in the K-2 Kit
Page 27 in the 3-5 Kit
Word Knowledge Inventory Tips
Page 33 in the K-2 Kit
Page 31 in the 3-5 Kit
Comprehension Assessment Tips
Page 41 in the K-2 Kit
Page 39 in the 3-5 Kit
Whole group assessments are to be completed, graded, and recorded on the classroom profile sheets by February 1st. Running records are to be completed by February 22nd. Let me know if you need help with any of this.
Running Record Tip
- You may use the word lists in the small Conference Book located in each kit to help you figure out what level to start your running record with a student. If confused on how to use this helpful tool, give me a shout.
Curricular Updates:
Some Reminders as we Continue to Push Forward with Curricular Expectations--what should I be seeing?:
1. For 3-5 teachers, remember to use the Essential Questions (from the CFA Cycle) throughout your lessons. It's HIGHLY suggested to have the essential questions posted in your room! These can be posted with/as your objectives if they are specific enough.
2. Use of I-Charts in your classroom.
3. Evidence of Mini-Lessons.
4. K-2-- Daily use of Waterford for kids identified as using it this year.
5. ABC Charts and Letter Tracing (K)
6. Sending and collecting of monthly district reading logs.
7. Use of quick checks for understanding to guide your lesson for the next day.
8. Daily 5 in use everyday with student choice based on grade level you teach.
Please let me know if you would like further direction or clarification about any of these listed topics.
DOE Resources
The DOE has released items to practice with your students. Take a look at the way the questions are worded, the new formatting, new tools, and the rigor of the ILEARN test. Click on the link below to get started.
ILEARN Released Item Repository Grades 3 -5
Answer Keys: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Planning Lessons by Standard ~ The DOE has provided many valuable resources
to help plan your mini-lessons and even questions your quick checks. Click on links.
Literacy Framework ~ (All Grades & all subjects) ~ Provides Learning outcomes, I Can
Statements, Question stems, vocabulary, & EL/SPED learning considerations
Item Specifications Database ~ (3rd - 5th Grade all subjects tested on ILEARN) ~ Provides clarity to how each standard could be accessed on ILEARN, a breakdown of the standard that gives insight into the DOK and specific skills needed, reading passage excerpts, sample questions and expected student responses to those questions.
Performance Level Descriptors ~ (3rd - 5th Grade all subjects test on ILEARN)
~Provide learning progressions for each standard from below, approaching, at & above proficiency.
Vertically Aligned Specifications: ELA & Math (All Grades) ~ This document allows the teacher to see the learning progression across grade levels for the same standard.
Writing Scoring Rubrics for ILEARN
~New Rubrics & Guidelines
Organization/Purpose (4 points) & Evidence/Elaboration (4 points) ~ These 2 scores are averaged.
Conventions Rubric (2 points)
Students read 2 sources in 3rd & 3 sources in 4th-5th to plan their writing.
Counseling Corner
Conscious Discipline
Remember that the emphasis is on using the 4 components to develop the school family.
Each classroom will look a little different, but the heart of the program should be the same: Help kids feel safe and loved by the adults and the kids each day.
Below is a link to Mrs. Gilkerson's class doing their Brain Smart Start. She weaves the four components together to create an inviting school family.
PBIS
Weekly PBIS Focus Expectations:
Jan. 21 Week 3 Prompt and Prepared across ALL areas
Ohana Calendar
WIDA Testing Window
Kindness Week: Riley Jar Wars
DIBELS Progress Monitoring- RED Students
Monday 1/21/19
- No School- MLK Day
AM Collaboration- Team Meetings on your own
SOS/ CORE Team Working Lunch- Noon
- AM Collaboration Analyzing ONE GR Whole Group Assessment
- Statewide Readiness Test- 3rd Grade 10:00 AM
Thursday 1/24/19
Friday 1/25/19
- Revelations In Education- Brook and Kevin 8:30 AM
- PBIS ASSEMBLY
- PTO Mother/ Son Glow Party 6-8
Coming Soon:
January:
28 Skating Party
29 3rd grade field trip
30 Robotics
31 Yearbook activity pictures
February
1 Kids Heart Challenge
5 PTO Meeting
5 5th grade Symphony trip
6 Robotics
7 Student Council
7 STEM Scouts
8 Mid term grades posted
13 Robotics
14 1st grade field trip
14 Friendship Celebrations
15 All Pro Dads
15 March field trips due
18 President’s Day -e-learning day
20 Robotics
21 Kdg field trip
21 4th grade field trip
21 STEM scouts
22 PBIS Convo
22 Father/Daughter Dance
25 Book Fair Week
25 Read Across America week
26 Children’s Museum outreach night
27 Hot Box Pizza fundraiser
27 Robotics