SPARTAN ACADEMY
Week Of December 12, 2016 to December 16, 2016 (Wk14)
"THE FOUNDATION OF SPARTAN ACADEMY" - "WHERE STUDENTS SUCCEED AND FUNCTION WITH BEHAVIORAL NORMS"
- Lesson Plans are non-negotiable – Lesson plans must be submitted weekly using the new RPS format – UBD model – Lesson plans are a clear picture of Teaching and Learning opportunities in your class. Lesson plans are due every Friday. Many lesson plans are still not being submitted in a timely manner.
- As we move into the 2nd Quarter, it is time to push bell to bell instruction with rigor and differentiation in the classroom.
- Please remember to highlight the JFF Strategies Common Instructional Framework Strategies on your lesson plan and implement them in your classroom: Questioning, Scaffolding, Classroom Talk, Literacy Groups, Collaborative Group Work, and Writing to Learn.
- Reminder to all teachers - please ensure that you are using your Daily Attendance Logs to keep documentation of your back up attendance. More Logs are available at your request.
- Teachers please remember to call parents! All teachers should be making a minimum of five calls a week: Attendance, failing grades, and positive feedback!
Attendance
Remember to only use the attendance on the home page of ASPEN. Please, update any tardy students in ASPEN when they arrive late!
Teachers are reminded that Daily Attendance is to be taken in ASPEN within the first 15 minutes of class each period. Usage of the Daily Attendance Logs is not an option, it is mandated per the Code of Virginia - § 22.1-259.
If you do not have access to ASPEN to take attendance or enter assignments and grades, please let Ms. Jewett know ASAP.
Security Reminders
- Always lock up all personal items
- DO NOT give students building keys for any reason.
- DO NOT open doors for staff. Side entrance will be locked by 8 AM each day. After 8 AM only use the front door entrance.
- Restricted Movement means Restricted Movement! No one is to move when a Restricted Movement Notice has been given. Students nor staff are permitted to be in the hall way. It is for your safety!
- DO NOT purchase snacks for students out of the vending machines.
- DO NOT block a door if a student is trying to leave. Alert your team leader, behavior specialist or security.
- DO NOT encourage students to leave you room. If you need a student removed, ask your team leader, behavior specialist or security.
- DO NOT deny students entrance into class if they are late.
- Please place notification on your door if you are relocating your classroom.
- In order for a student to leave the classroom - 1. you must grant them permission, 2. a pass must be given to the student, 3. time frame expectation must be communicated to the student
Strengthening the Craft of Teaching and Learning
Jobs for the Future focus strategy for December 5th - December 16th:
WRITING to LEARN
Writing to learn is a strategy through which students can develop their ideas, their critical thinking abilities, and their writing skills. Writing to learn enables students to experiment every day with written language and to increase their fluency and mastery of written conventions. Writing to learn can also be used as formative assessment and as a way to scaffold mid- and high-stakes writing assignments tests.
Teach Like a Champion strategies for December 5th - December 16th:
AT BATS
Great lessons should have plenty of At Bats. No one masters a new skill on the second go-round or possible even the tenth. Want to sound real sweet on the violin? Find a good teacher and practice scales ten thousand times. Or, in baseball talk, "Learn to hit by getting as many at bats as you can." . . . Even in a busy lesson, remember repetition. Begin with a few At Bats on previous material ("cumulative review"). End with iterations of the skills in your objective so that students reach the point where they can practice further independently.
EXIT TICKET
. . . just about every lesson should end with an Exit Ticket. The purpose of an Exit Ticket is to gather data on whether your class masted your daily objective. Next day, having analyzed the data, lead the students in recognizing their own mistakes, reteach, and give more At Bats as needed.
SOL Updates
TestNav 8 Updates to Mathematics Tools Practice Items
TestNav 8 conversions to the Mathematics Tools Practice Items are currently in progress. A completion date will be communicated through a mathematics update when the items become available. TestNav 8 SOL Practice Items are currently available for Grades 3 – 8, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) for Grades 4 and 5 MathematicsThis Superintendent’s Memo provides information regarding the transition between static and computer adaptive testing for Grades 4 and 5 Mathematics beginning Spring 2017. Please note that revised SOL Testing Blueprints for CAT are now posted, as well as additional CAT resources. If you try to view the new blueprints and see the “original” version, please clear your Web browser’s cache and history.
Superintendent’s Memo #244-16
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education
September 23, 2016
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework
On September 22, 2016, the Board of Education adopted the Proposed Revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and the Proposed Revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework for public schools in Virginia (see Agenda Item D). The final version of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and the 2016Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework will be posted on the Virginia Department of Education's website no later than December 31, 2016.
The 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning identify academic content for essential components of the mathematics curriculum at different grade levels for Virginia's public schools. The 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework, a companion document to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning, amplifies the standards and further defines the content knowledge, skills, and understandings that are measured by the Standards of Learning assessments.
The implementation timeline for the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework follows:
The implementation timeline for the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework2016-2017 School Year – Crosswalk between 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning and 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning
- VDOE staff provides a crosswalk between the 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning and the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning.
- School divisions incorporate the new standards into local written curricula for inclusion in the taught curricula during the 2017-2018 school year.
2017-2018 School Year – Crosswalk Year
- 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning and 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning are included in the written and taught curricula.
- Spring 2018 Standards of Learning assessments measure the 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning and include field test items measuring the 2016Mathematics Standards of Learning.
2018-2019 School Year – Full-Implementation Year
- Written and taught curricula reflect the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning.
- Standards of Learning assessments measure the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning.
Recognizing that curriculum alignment efforts require planning, time, staff development, and resources, school divisions should begin to:
- review and align mathematics curricula with the revised standards;
- review current resource materials and correlate them with the revised standards;
- develop new materials where needed; and
- provide staff development for teachers.
If you are in the process of planning professional development in mathematics, please consider using all or parts of the VDOE mathematics professional development resources available. The resources from the 2012, 2013, and 2014 institutes were designed as self-guided professional development for teams of teachers (grade level or course), broken into modules that are rarely longer than 40 or 45 minutes in length. Parts of these professional development modules could be used/modified to create division-level professional development.
Online Technical Assistance Resources
The Virginia Department of Education’s website includes multiple resources to assist focus schools with meeting the needs of identified proficiency gap groups.
- English Language Learners (ELL) Instructional resources: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/esl/index.shtml
- Special Education Instructional resources: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/tech_asst_prof_dev/index.shtml
- Differentiated Technical Assistance resources: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/school_improvement/training/index.shtml
English
VDOE EOC Reading Spring 2014 Student Performance Analysis
VDOE EOC Reading Spring 2013 Student Performance Analysis
Text Dependent Questions: Sample Question Starters
Prompts for Text Dependent Questions
Please use the link and password below to access a tutorial for NoRedInk Premium. Pass this along to your English department for those who did not attend training.
Link to video library: https://vimeo.com/album/4159266
Password (please do not circulate outside of RPS): bDpfVamg6yq!
Please let me know if you need any additional assistance with the program.
Science
VDOE Science Spring 2014 Instructional Guidance based on Student Performance
VDOE Earth Science Spring 2013 Student Performance Analysis with Instr. Guidance
VDOE Biology Spring 2013 Student Performance Analysis with Instructional Guidance
VDOE Chemistry Spring 2013 Student Performance Analysis with Instructional Guidance
Math
VDOE Algebra I Spring 2014 Student Performance Analysis
VDOE Geometry Spring 2014 Student Performance Analysis
VDOE Algebra II Spring 2014 Student Performance Analysis
History
VDOE North America Geographic Regions
VDOE Virginia Geographic Regions with Counties
VDOE Virginia Geographic Regions of Virginia Outline
"Less Than 100 and 80" days to make a difference in the lives of our students"
Monday - December 12, 2016
Word of the Day: Plumage - feathers of a bird.
Common Assessment Monday - Core Content Classes & grades 6-8 - Utilize Bubble Sheets - Do not allow students to write on assessment.
SOL - Media Center - select students - 9:00 a.m. -Earth Science
Tuesday – December 13, 2016
Word of the Day: Resignation - acceptance of fate.
Common Assessment Tuesday - Core Content Classes & grades 6-8- Utilize Bubble Answer Sheets - Do not allow students to write on assessment
SOL - Media Center - select students - 9:00 a.m. -Biology
Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc will be onsite to work with select females - 1:00 pm - see Mrs. Callender for more details
Wednesday -December 14, 2016
Word of the Day: Tenacious - stubborn; resolute; holding firm to a purpose.
Sol Testing - Media Center - select students - 9:00 a.m. - Reading
LIFE Program - 9:00 am downstairs conference room - select students
Interim Grade Reports will be disseminated to students during Town House
Team Meetings - High School - location Ms. Sweet's Room - Middle School - location computer lab - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Thursday - December 15, 2016
Word of the Day: Accolade - tribute; honor; praise.
SOL Testing - Media Center - select students - 9:00 a.m. - Make-ups
QM Team - Visitors on Site
TLT Meeting - location ASPIRE Academy 3:15 pm
Friday –December 16, 2016
Word of the Day: Bolster - support, prop up.
SOL Testing - Media Center - select students - 9:00 a.m. - Make-ups
Field Trip to G-Force for select students - departure 10:45 am
Holiday Dessert Celebration for Students and Staff - Media Center 1:30 pm
Suggested Reading
"Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males" by Alfred Tatum
For those who truly wish to leave no child behind, the racial achievement gap in literacy is one of the most difficult issues in education today, and nowhere does it manifest itself more perniciously than in the case of black adolescent males.
Approaching the problem from the inside, Alfred Tatum bring together his various experiences as a black male student, middle school teacher working with struggling black male readers, reading specialist in an urban elementary school, and staff developer in classrooms across the nation. [Tatum's] book, Teaching Reading to Black Adolescent Males offers teachers and schools a way to reconceptualize literacy instruction for those who need it most.
Concerns and Updates
Common Assessments are scheduled for each Monday.
NWEA MAP assessment scheduled for the week of January 2nd
All students identified for transition by January 20th
Transition Ceremony January 30th - time and location TBD
Semester Exams to begin January 24th - Tuesday 2 &6, Wednesday 1 & 5, Thursday 4 & 8, Friday 3 & 7
Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT) will not be available until Monday, November 28th. VDOE is working with Pearson to update the ARDT assessment; hence the delay. The ARDT assessment should be administered to students in grades 5 through 8, Algebra Functions and Algebra I
2016 Mathematics SOL Crosswalk Documents Now Available
Crosswalk documents for the approved 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework are now available for each grade level and course. The Crosswalks provide a summary of revisions including the additions, deletions, and edits. It provides educators the opportunity to review the 2009 Mathematics SOL alongside the newly adopted 2016 Mathematics SOL
The next three bullets are opportunities for our students - copy and paste the link in the address box of your screen
World War I Memorials in Virginia
SOL-Based Lesson plan for 2016 Civics Summit Registration http://apps.senate.virginia.gov/civicsSummit/CS2016registrationform.html
The VDOE website has invaluable lesson plans along with practice problems for students to improve math skills. Click on the following link for lesson plans for all Algebra Readiness grade levels: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/mathematics/middle/algebra_readiness/curriculum_companion/index.shtml
- In spring 2016, the Standards of Learning (SOL) history tests contained multiple choice and technology-enhanced field test items that assessed the current 2008 History & Social Science Standards of Learning. In spring 2017, the SOL history tests will contain multiple choice and technology-enhanced field test items that assess the revised 2015 History & Social Science Standards of Learning. In order to support student preparation for technology-enhanced items (TEI) that may appear on history assessments, sets of practice items have been developed and will be delivered via electronic Practice Assessment Tools (ePAT).
- Please be mindful of the students that rotate out of your class with or without a pass. All students must be given a pass to exit your classroom. Hall walkers should not be given an exit ticket out of your room.
- It is imperative that the Faculty and Staff adhere to all due dates and meeting times.
- All teachers are expected to stand at their door during the change of class.
- Thank you for all of your hard work!
Shout OUTS!
We have a lot of things going on with our campus, and I know we often seem to focus on the things that need improvement, but here's some shout outs to some teachers doing some awesome things.
- Ms. Sweet - Awesome lesson plans! On time and posted at the door. Thank you!
- Ms. Gammon - Volunteering for not one, but TWO school inclusion celebration activities in her classroom this week.
- Ms. Powell - Awesome hands on activities going on in the classroom. Students are enjoying the creativity and they are learning!
- Ms. Lee - creative and exciting word wall. It is eye-catching and engaging!
Keep up the AWESOME work!
6-Sessions All About Google
Learn how easy it is to use Google tools for any classroom.
- Find the Google tools every teacher needs in their digital toolkit
- Collaborate anytime and anywhere with Google Drive and Docs
- Overcome group project issues with Presentations and Spreadsheets
- Take the complication out of formative assessment with Google Forms
- Discover the best Chrome Apps for your classroom
- Go beyond the basics with your class using Google Drawings and Slides
click link below ---
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Please email me at your earliest convenience.
Email: ahawkins@rvaschools.net
Location: 119 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA, United States
Phone: (804) 780-4458