Collier County Public Schools
March 2021
K-5 ELA Instructional Materials
This week, samples of the new K-5 ELA instructional materials that are being considered for District adoption were sent to all elementary schools. Principals were asked to place these materials in an area that is accessible for teacher review throughout the day. Additionally, an email was sent to all elementary teachers that included a Powerpoint (click here) with an overview of the new B.E.S.T. Standards and the CCPS Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool.
Selecting new materials is always an important task, but this year is especially critical as we prepare to implement the new B.E.S.T. ELA Standards which require explicit and systematic foundational skills instruction in the primary grades and core instruction that is centered around high-quality, complex texts that build knowledge and are worthy of students' time and attention. Additionally, CCPS has placed a high priority on ensuring that instructional materials represent a range of cultural and linguistic diversity to provide students with "windows and mirrors" through which they can view and understand the experiences of others, as well as themselves. (Use this link to learn more.)
We hope that all of you will engage in the District ELA instructional materials adoption process by reviewing the Powerpoint information and the sample materials, and by providing your feedback on our brief survey. The deadline for submitting your feedback is March 4th.
English Language Arts
Third Grade -
In third grade, students will be demonstrating command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. During this review week, revisiting informational text such as The Man Who Invented Basketball or America’s Champion Swimmer will provide an opportunity for students to reread familiar texts to facilitate language instruction. Texts such as Suki’s Kimono will be used to support students with describing characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explaining how their actions contribute to the sequence of events. Lastly, this month, students will explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting). Reading I Love Saturdays y domingos will provide students an opportunity to continue to develop an understanding of the standard.
Fourth Grade -
In fourth grade, students will continue to learn how to determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology. An excellent text to accompany this standard is Encyclopedia Brown. Text such as Smoke Jumpers will be used to support students with compare and contrast a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event or topic; and describe the differences in focus and the information provided. Additionally, students will also be learning how to describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character’s thoughts, words, or actions). Reading a biography such as Lost City will provide opportunities for students to continue to develop their understanding of this standard.
Fifth Grade -
In fifth grade students will continue to learn how to analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent using informational text, such as The Gymnast. Texts such as The Skunk Ladder will be used to support students with describing how a narrator’ or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described. Additionally, students will be learning how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s). Rich text such as The Unsinkable Wreck on the R.M.S. Titanic will provide opportunities for students to continue to develop their understanding of this standard.
Gifted Extension Modules -
New modules have been created and shared in Canvas Commons for grades K-5. You can find them by searching Commons Gifted Extension Grade --. They include ELA extension resources for quarters 1-4. Savvas Units 1-6 Resources have been shared in Canvas Commons . You can find them by searching the unit name.
Open Office Hours for teachers in grades K–5 Monday, March 1 , 8:30-11:30 and 12:30-3:30. https://colliercountyschools.webex.com/meet/pikeam
Math
Third Grade -
In third grade, students will compare fractions and develop an understanding of equivalent fractions. They will compare fractions with the same denominators or the same numerators. Visual modules of fractions should be used when comparing two fractions; this includes area models and number lines. When working with equivalent fractions, students will understand that two fractions are equivalent if they are the same size or the same point on a number line. They will also recognize and generate equivalent fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Students will solve problems involving liquid volume and mass. They will measure and estimate liquid volume and mass as well as use the four operations to solve one-step word problems involving liquid volumes or masses given in the same units.
Fourth Grade -
In fourth grade, students will multiply fractions (including mixed numbers) by whole numbers, using visual models and equations. Students will then shift to working with geometric concepts including identifying and drawing perpendicular and parallel lines, identifying and classifying triangles by the size or their angles or side lengths, identifying and classifying quadrilaterals, and measuring and drawing angles of two-dimensional figures. Students will also recognize, identify and draw lines of symmetry before generating and identifying shape patterns.
Fifth Grade -
In fifth grade, students will divide decimals. They will use patterns when dividing decimals by powers of 10, divide decimals by whole numbers, decimals by decimals, and whole numbers by decimals. Students will also estimate decimal quotients. Students will then shift to measurement conversions including understanding metric conversions, solving customary and metric conversion problems including multistep measurement problems.
ALEKS
- Progress Knowledge Check During the week of March 29, teachers will need to assign a Progress Knowledge Check for students. The Progress Knowledge Check assesses recently learned topics in ALEKS and consists of approximately 15 questions. This knowledge check should only be assigned for one school day and during school hours. If the student needs more time, the assessment can be extended/opened the following day.
- Grade Pie Progress Goal (PPG) Students’ first Pie Progress Goal should be set for March 31. A PPG is a specific target goal for student pie mastery and needs to be assigned by the classroom teacher. Teachers can set PPGs for their class in the Assignments section of ALEKS.
- QuickTables By March 31, students should demonstrate mastery or near mastery of Addition 0-12 and Multiplication 0-12. If students have not demonstrated mastery or near mastery of the QuickTables fluency goals, they should continue to work on the program goals through the remainder of the school year.
Getting Ready for FSA -
In preparation for the Florida Standards Assessment in grades 3 through 5, students should be given opportunities to engage with standards-aligned assessment practice and items of varied complexity using the recommended resources located within HMH Ed. These resources include Differentiated Instruction Blackline Masters Reteaches, Student Worksheets Tier 2 and Student Worksheet Tier 3, Small Group Mini Lessons, and HMH Assessment Preparation (standard-specific and provides practice items similar in nature to state assessment items). Additionally, students will be assessed on FSA using gridded response items; it is critically important that teachers incorporate this in daily math instruction to provide students with practice. Practice grids are located in SharePoint in the Resources folder.
Science
Third Grade -
In third grade, students will review grade 2 benchmarks and be able to measure and compare temperatures taken every day at the same time and compare and describe changing patterns in nature that repeat themselves. Students must also be able to understand that air is all around us and that moving air is wind and be able to state the importance of preparing for severe weather. Students will begin to recognize that the Sun appears large and bright because it is the closest star to Earth and identify the Sun as a star that emits energy.
Fourth Grade -
In fourth grade, students will finish measuring and comparing objects and materials based on their physical properties, including water and its common uses in each of its states. Students will then be able to understand the Law of Conservation of Mass and identify some familiar changes in materials that result in other materials with different characteristics.
Fifth Grade -
In fifth grade, students will be able to understand and illustrate that the flow of electricity requires a closed circuit as well as identify and classify materials that conduct electricity. Additionally, students begin to be able to understand and explain that an electrically charged object can attract or repel another charged object without any contact.
USATestPrep
During the month of March, USATestPrep is a great tool to continue or begin using for reviewing low performing science standards. Students can navigate through practice mode and work independently. Check out the Green Dot Challenge that can be implemented in the classroom and/or school.
Health
General Health Education Reminders:
- 4 (50 minute) lessons per quarter provided
- ”Chunked” knowledge and skills detailed in Academic Performance Scales
- District provided full modules/lessons/content/scales and activities each quarter in Canvas Commons
- Lesson Guides to match Modules available for Q3 in SharePoint
- Updated LGs in FOCUS
- Shared through Reading Coaches, Newsletters, and Commons
Human Growth and Development Updates (Grades 4/5):
Reminder: HGD Learning Goals are assessed in Q4
Three Options for Content Delivery:
Traditional, in-person model with small group instruction by classroom teacher responsible for health education course (model used in previous years)
*NEW* Blended model using District-created Canvas module
*NEW* Virtual model using District-created Canvas module
Updated Letters:
Available in SharePoint
Parents need at least one full week to return an “opt out” letter
Allow parents time to view materials and pose questions (PowerPoints make it easy to view and eliminate Discovery Ed issues)
HGD Comprehensive Module includes:
Two 4th grade lessons
Two 5th grade lessons
One NEW 5th grade HIV segment
Updated PPTs, activities, resources, etc.
Available March 1st –
District-created Canvas Module in Commons (look for the title/pic)
HIV-only portion available in SharePoint (includes updated PPTs, letters and support materials)
HIV/AIDS Required Instruction (GRADE 5 ONLY):
IMPORTANT: Discovery Education content no longer available!
Video/Activities/Instruction replaced by District-created PPT with two options:
Narrator Notes for teacher/nurse to explain/review or;
Video embedded/scripted overview by Physician Dr. Karysse Trandom (This method is recommended if uncomfortable or have not been trained in the last 3 years)
Both options will be embedded in Canvas Module; teachers will select and edit
Other strategic updates to content (scale/SEL connections)
Training Requirements:
HGD training required every 3 years by classroom teachers
Options for training:
School-site visit for grade level team if two or more teachers require training update OR
WebEx meeting with Tracy Bowen to walkthrough materials and classroom instructional model
Materials:
- Grade 4 and 5 materials have slight updates
- DO NOT use materials from prior year
- New materials available in SharePoint after March 1st and will be labeled “2021-HGD Materials”
Social Studies
March Character Education Trait: Honesty
Third Grade -
In third grade, students will focus on cultures and cultural characteristics of the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. (SS.3.G.2.6, SS.3.G.4.2, SS.3.G.4.3)
Students will be able to:
Compare the cultural characteristics of diverse populations in one of the five regions of the United States with Mexico
Compare the cultural characteristics of diverse populations in one of the five regions of the United States with the Caribbean
Recognize the values of the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor
Fourth Grade -
In fourth grade, students will use primary and secondary resources to focus on Florida’s role in the Civil War and the challenges encountered during Reconstruction. (SS.4.A.1.1, SS.4.A.5.1, SS.4.A.5.2,SS.4.G.1.4)
Students will be able to:
Describe the role Florida played in the Civil War
Summarize the challenges Floridians faced during Reconstruction
Fifth Grade -
In fifth grade, students will focus on the effects of the American Revolution and the development of the United States government. (SS.5.A.5.5, SS.5.A.5.6, SS.5.A.5.7, SS.5.A.5.8, SS.5.A.5.9, SS.5.A.5.10, SS.5.A.6.2, SS.5.C.1.1, SS.5.C.1.2, SS.5.C.1.4)
Students will be able to:
Identify the contributions of foreign alliances and individuals and evaluate the hardships resulting from the American Revolution
Explain economic, military, and political factors which led to the end of the Revolutionary War
Identify the Articles of Confederation's weaknesses
Explain how and why the United States government was created
Discuss the impact and significance of land policies developed under the Confederation Congress
Reminders -
March – Women's History Month
March 25 – Medal of Honor Day
Resources available in:
Grade-level curriculum guides
Canvas Modules
District website (Women's History Month Resource Packet)
Visual Art
Teachers are reminded to frequent our district curriculum map resources in the CCPS District Visual Art team in O365 for up-to-date guides and resources connected to Davis Digital, our online instructional material for art grades K-5
A link to the Moving Forward document for CCPS visual and performing arts teachers is linked HERE for guidance regarding health and safety with respect to equipment and other class resources
Music & Art Supplements — a reminder to all staff to use the current version of the art and music supplement form found HERE. Please disregard all paper versions of this form and use only the one linked above from this point forward. Thank you!
There are numerous resources available in Teams for guidance on the VAM portfolio process for fine arts teachers. Please contact Skip Pardee and/or Toni McGlynn for assistance navigating those resources or the portfolio portal in Data Warehouse at any time.
Reminder: Your school’s submission to the Spring 2021 Superintendent’s Art Gallery is due Friday, March 12, 2021 to Skip Pardee at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center. Please check district email and TEAMS for submission guidelines and virtual display information. Thank you!
Our Fine Arts district webpage is currently undergoing a make-over. We invite you to explore www.collierschools.com/finearts in the coming days/weeks to learn more about our talented students and teachers and the robust arts programs we offer in CCPS!
Music
Teachers are reminded to frequent our district curriculum map resources in the CCPS District Music team in O365 for up-to-date guides and resources connected to Quaver Music, our online instructional material for music grades K-5
A link to the Moving Forward document for CCPS visual and performing arts teachers is linked HERE for guidance regarding health and safety with respect to equipment and other class resources
Music & Art Supplements — a reminder to all staff to use the current version of the art and music supplement form found HERE. Please disregard all paper versions of this form and use only the one linked above from this point forward. Thank you!
There are numerous resources available in Teams for guidance on the VAM portfolio process for fine arts teachers. Please contact Skip Pardee and/or Toni McGlynn for assistance navigating those resources or the portfolio portal in Data Warehouse at any time
Our Fine Arts district webpage is currently undergoing a make-over. We invite you to explore www.collierschools.com/finearts in the coming days/weeks to learn more about our talented students and teachers and the robust arts programs we offer in CCPS!
Physical Education
Use provided resources to “check in” on learning and comprehension. The health and fitness poster (access here) can be used with a question for the day to continue the learning process and new ways to apply the learning. Great use for a Start Up or Close Up Question or THINK PAIR SHARE activity when waiting on class to get water, returning from field, another class to arrive or small group cool down activities.
Examples:
Addressing PS 33 – Discuss how participating in physical activities can affect each component of health.
During our 2 dribbling lessons last week, which of the following components of health and fitness were we focused on?
During the cool down portion of our lesson where we are focused on breathing and stretching, which components of health and fitness were highlighted?
When we assess our fitness using the PACER, which components of fitness, both health and skill related, are we utilizing?
Q3 should include instruction and assessment based on the following Learning Goals and Targets addressed in Performance Scales:
PS 27 – Successfully strike an object using both body parts and long-handled implements.
PS 28 – Identify a proper warm up and cool down for several specific activities.
PS 30 – Discuss the importance of hydration, sun protection, water safety and pedestrian responsibility
PS 31 – Using the principles of fitness, record physical activities over a period of time to track personal behaviors to maintain or improve fitness.
PS 33 – Discuss/Describe ways physical activity can positively influence mental, emotional and social health.
Instructional Resource
March Curriculum Highlights
Monthly Digital Citizenship focus (incorporate into daily instruction):
News and Media Literacy - move forward with the concept of Creative Credit, talking about general News and Media Literacy and help students understand how it applies to the research they are doing. Here are a variety of great lesson resources from Common Sense Media for elementary grades to help support this important digital citizenship focus - Link
March Units
- Research – Modules for grades 3-5 are located in Commons. Utilize the final weeks of this unit in March to help students complete research using our district subscription resources in preparation for their upcoming multi-media project. Be sure to provide opportunities for students to organize their research utilizing known tools such as MS Word. Reinforce the importance of being critical thinkers when choosing resources for their research and citing sources. Here is a video that helps explain some of the important considerations when evaluating a resource – Link.
- Note that you have up to two upcoming unplanned sessions to complete unit work or extend learning for Q2.
Digital Innovation Best Practices
Canvas - External Tools Assignment
Did you know that you can create an assignment in Canvas with a pre-made format for your students using O365 applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.? It is easy to do. Simply create the document in the application of your choice, save it to YOUR One Drive and then create an assignment in Canvas with the Submission Type as: External Tool>O365 Cloud Assignment. This will put an individual copy of the document in each students OneDrive with easy access and submission through Canvas. Click on the Link for step-by-step directions.
Microsoft Forms
- Microsoft FORMS is part of the Office 365 suite of programs and is available to all CCPS (Collier County Public Schools) staff and students. Go to the Office 365 icon on the desktop, log in using CCPS credentials and select Forms from the left side navigation bar.
- Microsoft FORMS offers “quizzes” with automatic grading features and “forms” for non-graded surveys that graphically display data in real-time. Graphed responses are provided to the form owner(s) in real-time and to the respondent in either real time or when the owner posts the scores. That option is found in the settings in the top right corner of the interface.
- Additionally, FORMS, like most office 365 programs, contains the Immersive Reader feature that provides visual and auditory support options. These features include the ability to read the question aloud and in multiple language options. A full self-paced training is available in the Microsoft Education Center - Link
- Click on the Link for a detailed document highlighting the different question types and graphical data representations created in Forms.
School Counseling/Social Emotional Learning
District SEL Theme for March: Responsible Decision-Making
Responsible Decision-Making is the ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacity to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being.
Examples of responsible decision-making include:
Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness
Identifying solutions for personal and social problems
Learning to make a reasoned judgement after analyzing information, data, and facts
Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions
Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside and outside of school
Reflecting on one’s role to promote personal, family, and community well-being
Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts
You can help your students learn to make responsible decisions by teaching them to:
- Identify the problem
- Analyze the situation
- Brainstorm solutions and solve the problem
- Consider ethical responsibility
- Evaluate and reflect
March Events:
Gender Equality Month
Middle Level Education Month
1 Self-Injury Awareness Day
21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
31 Transgender Day of Visibility
Resources:
Mental Health Supports for Teachers: https://teach.com/resources/mental-health-resources-teachers-school-staff/
CCPS Emotional Wellness Program (Free Benefits): https://www.collierschools.com/Page/12571
"Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left of you." - Katie Reed
Teaching and Learning
Email: TeachingandLearning@collierschools.com
Website: https://www.collierschools.com/Page/169
Location: 5775 Osceola Trail, Naples, FL, USA
Phone: 239-377-0001
Twitter: @CCPS_Curriculum