Leaders in Learning
FUESD Certificated Staff, March 7, 2014 Vol. 1, Ed. 9
Put First Things First
This week's installment of Leaders in Learning will highlight Tech TOSA demo opportunities, ELA and Mathematical Practice Common Core clips from Teaching Channel, a link to the Smarter-Balanced Field Test informational video, and another round of Shout-Outs from around the District.
This brief student video gives key information about the upcoming Smarter Balanced Field Test. The video is intended for 6-8 grade students, but if your class is testing this year, you might consider showing it. It is only five minutes in length and very student-centered. If you are interested, please click the link below.
Think Win-Win
Everyone can win...
Be Proactive
You're in charge...
Are you looking for ways to infuse technology into your teaching? Then, invite one of your Tech TOSAs out for a demo! Recently, we demonstrated Number Talks using the iPad and Reflector in grades K-2 at FSS. If you're interested in a demo, please contact either Liz Lewellen at elewellen@fuesd.org or Aimee Plette at aplette@fuesd.org, to make an appointment. Remember, we are available by teacher request, to help you get your instructional technology up and running in your classroom.
Begin with the End in Mind
Have a plan...
Monday, March 10
- ELA/Math Benchmark #3 Window Opens
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- LOE Seven Habits Training
- AP Academy at DO's Room 302
- Mac Attack at DO's Room 4 from 3:00-4:30
- DELAC Meeting at MEEC from 6:00-7:30
Tuesday, March 11
- ELA/Math Benchmark #3 Window Opens
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- LOE Seven Habits Training
Wednesday, March 12
- ELA/Math Benchmark #3 Window Opens
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- MFP Google Training with Tech TOSAs 1:00-3:00
Thursday, March 13 (Minimum Day Schedule)
- ELA/Math Benchmark #3 Window Opens
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- PJHS Seven Habits Training
- K-6 Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 14 (Minimum Day Schedule)
- ELA/Math Benchmark #3 Window Opens
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- PJHS Seven Habits Training
- K-6 Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Report Cards Go Home
Monday, March 17
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- Science CCSS for 7/8 Grades - Disciplinary Literacy at DO's Room 6
- Mac Office Hours at DO 2:45-4:30
- Governing Board Meeting at 6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 18
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- Science CCSS for 7/8 Grades - Disciplinary Literacy at DO's Room 6
- ELA CCSS for 7/8 Grades at DO's Room 5
- K-8 Curriculum Meeting at DO's Room 302 2:45-4:30
Wednesday, March 19
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- ELA CCSS for 7/8 Grades at DO's Room 5
Thursday, March 20
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- H/SS CCSS for 7/8 Grades at DO's Room 4
- CUE Conference
Friday, March 21
- PE State Testing for Grades 5 and 7
- H/SS CCSS for 7/8 Grades at DO's Room 4
- CUE Conference
Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood
Listen (or learn) before you talk (or teach).....
All Grade Levels: Six Routines to Support Mathematical Thinking
Back in July, Teaching Channel released a video series produced with the American Federation of Teachers showing how the Common Core math practice standards progress across the grades. This is a great series; in each classroom you can watch students collaborating, explaining their reasoning, testing their ideas, and enjoying the problem-solving process.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2014/01/16/routines-to-support-mathematical-thinking/
The ELA Common Core Standards Shifts
This seven-minute video from Washoe County School District focuses on the teacher perspective of implementing ELA CCSS; specifically the opportunities and challenges that come with using Close Reading Exemplars. It is very powerful to hear the teachers speak candidly about the challenges, and how those same challenges turned into powerful opportunities for the students.
Synergize
Together is better...
LOE: During their last staff meeting, LOE teachers participated in a math profesional development activity. Here are Lilly Perez and Danni Fieri "trying out" partner activities for students, which will help them gain proficiency and fluency with CCSS Math Standards.
FHA: FHA hosted a very successful kindergarten round-up event last week.
LAP: La Paloma sixth grade celebrates the culmination of their Egypt unit! Kudos to Ms. Grijalva, Mrs. Arballo, and Mr. Leonard for the hard work and dedication you do each day for our students!
A Funny Number Talks Conversation in a TK room!
Mrs. Kinsman: How did you figure out that the answer was 7 so quickly?
Student: It was Gossimer, he just whispered the answer into my ear.
Ms. Kinsman: Who's Gossimer?
Student: He is my friend he lives up here (pointing above his head), he talks to me all the time!
Don't we ALL wish we had a friend like Gossimer?
Sharpen the Saw
Balance feels best....
Most 12-year-olds love playing videogames -- Thomas Suarez taught himself how to create them. After developing iPhone apps like "Bustin Jeiber," a whack-a-mole game, he is now using his skills to help other kids become developers. He has such a great stage presence and he will make your heart smile.