Instructional Impact
February 19 , 2020
Purpose
Helpful Links
Trimester 2 Assessment Calendar
Report Card Dates/Deadlines
ELA Minimal Standards of Instructional Practice
Click HERE to access our minimal standards of instructional practice for ELA and our balanced literacy approach.
Math Visuals
Looking for some great math visuals to help you with number talks or even videos to help you with some math concepts? Check out Math Visuals! Thank you, Shannon Kage (Leonard), for sharing it!
MSTEP Prep (Grades 3-5)
Yes! You read that right! Test prep! But keep reading...
Philosophically, I do not believe in “test prep” in the traditional form it’s been known for in the past. Meaning, we should not abandon our curriculum to do a ton of practice of content that looks just like the MSTEP. Our curriculum, when taught with fidelity, is the BEST test prep we have! With that being said, I do strongly believe that there are steps we can take to eliminate variables and barriers that may interfere with our students’ ability to showcase their knowledge and skills. Here are strategies on test prep:
Stamina building: (ongoing from now until rest of the year)
1. Typing skills to help kids with stamina. This is a CCSS in writing under “production and distribution of writing”. It is expected that 4th graders can type a minimum of one page in a single setting and 5th graders up to two pages in a single setting. For third grade, there is no specified length in the standards, but I would say a minimum of a half page to a full page.
2. Long periods of time reading. Within our workshops, we have to make sure kids have ample time to read (upwards to 45-60 minutes in 5th grade). This will help them with reading during the MSTEP.
ELA Passage-based Writing (PBW) (once or twice at MOST between March and end of May depending on grade level) https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-22709_70117-456071--,00.html
Students in grades 3-5 should (might be good for 2nd grade to do once at the end of the second grade year) an opportunity to practice one PBW over a week’s time. Goals would include:
1. Printing out the assignment for each student.
2. Reviewing the layout and expectations
3. Navigating the vocabulary together (essay, evidence, passage, support, etc.)
4. Understanding the expectations that they provide for a “well-written” essay
5. Actually having the students read and write their essay
6. Look at the samples provided that scored 4, 3, 2, and 1 and review with the students the rubrics and scores they earned
This task is very appropriate and is not a departure from our expectations within the units of student. Again, the goal is to ensure kids understand the task and wrap their heads around the expectations.
Navigating the online platform (once or twice at most between March and end of May depending on grade level) https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi
1. First, have teachers log in and display examples on the boards and have them discuss the layout, expectations, etc. What are all the symbols and tools provided? Where would kids click? How do they navigate the question? What do the kids see and do not understand?
2. Then, have the kids try on their own so they get used to taking the test and using paper and pencil to help them (especially for math)
Career Focused Education (CFE)
In 2018, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released the Michigan Career Development Model. It is designed to provide all students (DK-12) the necessary knowledge and skills for success in a career of their choice and for lifelong learning. Our goal, throughout our students’ years in Oxford is to raise awareness around careers (DK-6), provide career exploration opportunities (7-8), and help prepare students (9-12) for their future careers.
Awareness, at the elementary level, occurs around the six career zones:
· Arts and Communication
· Business, Management, Marketing and Technology
· Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
· Health Sciences
· Human Services
· Natural Resources and Agriscience
For our elementary students, we design opportunities to raise awareness about future careers through picture books (each school has a career collection), costumes (DK/K classrooms), the PYP Exhibition project, field trips, STEM activities and opportunities, career exploration software, etc. If you haven't seen the picture books, inquire with your building principal. We want to be sure that the materials being provided are accessible to everyone!
As students get older, particularly in grade 7, students must develop an Educational Development Plan (EDP). This plan is based on students’ interests, identified career pathways, and includes goals for achieving their success including the necessary education to achieve their goals. Further, as students move into high school, they continue to reflect on and revise their EDPs. Students are provided opportunities for work based learning and are making connections with professionals in a variety of fields. Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities are widely available for students to gain the necessary academic, technical and work skills needed to help them succeed in college and careers.
It is exciting to see the progression of opportunities and to collaborate with one another to provide students with experiences that have them thinking about their futures!
The SharingPYP Blog: PYP Exhibition: Can Collaboration Transcend Boundaries?
This is a great blog to subscribe to!
Michigan's Math Essentials
Mission:
Create a cohesive direction for mathematics education in Michigan
Develop a common understanding of how to strengthen early mathematics instruction across the state
Inform practice, professional learning, school improvement plans
Enhance existing instruction
Click HERE to view the essentials and learn more!
Michigan's Literacy Essentials
Our districts curriculum and instructional practice, including workshop instruction, helps to support and promote these Literacy Essentials!
This site offers EXCELLENT professional learning opportunities through videos and modules!
Teacher's College Reading & Writing Project (TCRWP)
Superintendent Throne's Podcast
Mr. Throne and Matt Johnson recently sat down and chatted with Oxford Leader's, CJ Carnacchio. Take a listen by clicking HERE!
Past Podcasts:
Better understand school financing- Check it out HERE!
Impending construction on M-24 that will begin next spring- Check it out HERE!
Anita R. Qonja-Collins
Email: anita.qonja@oxfordschools.org
Website: oxfordschools.org
Location: 10 North Washington Street, Oxford, MI, USA
Phone: 248.969.5096
Twitter: @AnitaQonja