Educational Services Newsletter
Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for January 2015
Mark Your Calendar
January 7th: Analyze Iowa Assessments - 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This will replace your monthly SAC meeting.
Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Dates
You can access the NWEA MAP site to see the growth of your students. You will need to use your username (e-mail address) and password to access the web-based information.
In addition, to learn more about why growth indicators are so important, watch the video below.
In addition, to learn more about why growth indicators are so important, watch the video below.
District Special Education Team
We have developed a District Special Education Team to conduct a Special Education Review. This review of the special education program will give us a good analysis of the strengths as well as what areas need the greatest attention.
Purpose of District Special Education Team: The District Special Education Team engages in dialogue regarding philosophies and policies, programs, best practices (learning, achievement, personal growth) and special education compliance that result in successful outcomes for students with disabilities.
Learning Targets - I Can Statements
Learning Targets are important for both teacher focused lesson planning and increased student learning. The DLC members are beginning to practice the implementation of Learning Targets in their classrooms.
Why Learning Targets are Critical - What the Research Says:
Why Learning Targets are Critical - What the Research Says:
- Provides focused direction for the lesson- to the teacher as well as the student
- When students know what they are learning, they are better able to monitor and adjust their work
- Students are able to connect to prior learning
- Clear Goals are articulated so students know where their learning is headed
- When students interact with the Learning Target, they have a better idea of what they know and what they do not know, where they are headed, and how to get there
- Students area able to filter what they should be doing during a lesson by asking themselves how the task aligns to the target
- All Learning Targets add up to a sequence of learning goals in order to meet the expectation of the Iowa Core.
Technology Committee Update
The Technology Committee is currently planning technology training sessions for our February 13, 2015 professional development.
Check Out the Technology Resources Below in this Newsletter!
Check Out the Technology Resources Below in this Newsletter!
What Does it Mean to be College and Career Ready?
Student Voices: What Does it Mean to be College and Career Ready?
Common Core Resources and Teaching Tools
Differentiating with Learning Menus
This middle school social studies video shows how to differentiate instruction using Learning Menus (5 min).
Student to Student Assessment
This teacher uses a quality peer assessment method. These students use small groups to review, revise, and reflect on the homework assignment. This will also work for in class assignments. (11 min)
Peer Conferencing
Peer Conferencing is an effective way for students to learn to improve their writing, as well as acting as an assessment tool. Watch how students participate in peer conferences to assess and improve personal narrative drafts. (6 min)
Formative Asessments Using Quality Evidence Rubrics
This classroom uses Quality Evidence Rubrics to assess the quality of their work. (5 min)
Academic Choice: Comprehending and Retelling a Story
Watch this first grade reading comprehension lesson that uses academic choice to help develop student skills for retelling and comprehension. The teacher gives her students an academic choice to choose how they want to learn. (13 min)
Technology Resources
Quizlet
Quizlet's flashcards, tests, and study games make learning fun and engaging for students of all ages.
Read to Me
Stories are read to you by authors/actors/comedians as you watch a video of the book.
Book Trailers
http://www.booktrailersforreaders.com/Featured+Around+the+Web
Interactive Whiteboard Activities
Ideas for LA, Math, Science & Social Studies
Free Rice
A great vocabulary builder site that also donates grains of rice for every correct answer you have.
VoiceThread
VoiceThread Universal lets you browse threads and hear comments in pages specially designed for screen readers.
Kidblog
Kidblog offers a kid-friendly publishing experience suitable for any K-12 student.
Sumdog
Sumdog's free educational games motivate your students to practice math, reading and writing - while you have full control over what they learn.