Garland Teachers, Welcome to the first issue of the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment newsletter for this school year. We hope your 2015-16 school year is off to a positive and productive start! Garland ISD teachers are doing amazing things in their classrooms every day to help students learn, grow and ensure that all are college and career ready. We are here to help and support you in these endeavors. In fact, the new curriculum is designed to do just that-provide support to classroom teachers. All standards, including the TEKS, ELPS, College and Career Readiness (CCRS) and Technology Applications standards, are there, along with student-centered activities, lesson frames, links, instructional adaptations, assessments and more. The feedback we are receiving from teachers has been positive and helpful! We appreciate all the responses you provide by using the curriculum feedback form and by contacting us via email. Please continue to reach out; we are here for you. Check out all the additional support provided by district departments and coordinators included in the fall newsletter. There is training and guidance to be had from multiple content areas and various departments. Take a look to see what you’d like to attend. You spend lots of time helping kids learn; be sure to take some time for your own professional growth. Thanks for all you do for our students and families!
http://bit.ly/GISDCurriculumFeedback
Research, Assessment & Accountability
Schoolnet Data Performance Indicators for STAAR/EOC
Performance Indicators for Unit & Semester Assessments
Finding STAAR/EOC STAAR and EOC data for 2014-15 is loaded under Unit/Semester Assessment Reports. Follow the link below for Schoolnet Data Click Sheets located on the RAAD intranet site.
SN Data Link Use the link above or the QR code below from any GISD Computer or GISD WiFi network.
Extra TIPS! You can access assessment data on your landing page. 2015-16 Unit Assessments along with 2014-15 MAP & ISIP are all available. You can also access upcoming test dates for unit assessents assigned to your courses on your landing page.
Follow us on Twitter! @GISD_RAAD
RAAD ALERT!
Right now RAAD really loves the Item Analysis Report in Schoolnet!
Available for STAAR & Local Assessments! Analyze individual questions and standards! Discover instructional strengths and weaknesses by class! Easily export to Excel for Heat Maps! Use the link above to access the Item Analysis click sheet!
Professional Learning Opportunities Science PreK-12
October 8, 2015 October 19, 2015 October 29, 2015 November 3, 2015
Embedded Vocabulary 3rd-8th Techniques
October 6, 2015 October 28, 2015
STEAMposium Challenges
Register in Sched
Register in Sched Half Day Sub Require (Campus Responsibility)
Engineering in your Classroom
PreK-8
October 22, 2015
http://sched.co/4958
Building Discovery Education Boards
K-12
November 2, 2015
http://sched.co/494m
A Maker Creator Experience
PreK-12
January 25, 2016
http://sched.co/49YK
STEAM Workshop
PreK-12
February 8, 2016 February 10, 2016
Register in Sched
1st-5th
February 8, 2016 February 10, 2016
Literacy-Infused Science
Location and training times documented in Sched
Register in Sched Half Day Sub Required (Campus Responsibility)
#gisdSTEAM
IN SCIENCE This science professional development series will target content from each STAAR™ reporting category. Participants will experience and receive classroom-ready lessons designed to engage students at the rigor of the TEKS using research-tested best practices. Teachers will gain an understanding of how to select and implement effective learning activities that reach the diverse needs of students in science classes. This series supports campus data-based decision making by allowing educators and campus leaders to choose sessions that target weak curricular areas. STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category One (Matter and Energy) September 12, 2015; June 8, 2016
** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category One (Cell Structure and Function) October 7, 2015
STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series- Reporting Category Two (Force, Motion, and Energy) October 17, 2015; June 9, 2016
** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Two (Mechanisms of Genetics) July 25, 2016
STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category Three (Earth and Space) October 8, 2015; January 23, 2016; July 13, 2016
** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Three (Biological Evolution and Classification) February 6, 2016; July 26, 2016
STAARTM Science Grade 5 Series-Reporting Category Four (Organisms and Environments) February 17, 2016; July 14, 2016
** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Four (Biological Processes and Systems) August 1, 2016
STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category One (Matter and Energy) September 19, 2015; July 6, 2016
** STAARTM Biology Series-Reporting Category Five (Interdependence within Environmental Systems) September 30, 2015; August 2, 2016
STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category Two (Force, Motion, and Energy) October 10, 2015; July 7, 2016 STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category Three (Earth and Space) October 6, 2015; January 16, 2016; June 15, 2016 * STAARTM Science Grade 8 Series-Reporting Category Four (Organisms and Environments) September 26, 2015; June 16, 2016
*Argument-Driven Inquiry in Life Science Book provided as part of the session. **Argument-Driven Inquiry in Biology Book provided as part of the sessions. (NOTE: The book is attached to each Biology Reporting Category. Participants can choose to keep multiple books or be refunded the cost of the book for each session beyond the first one they attend.)
REGISTRATION To register for these sessions, visit www.esc11.net and click on “Register.” For more information, please contact Thais Mitchell at tmitchell@esc11.net, or 817-740-3679; or Cheryl Bowden at cbowden@esc11.net or 817-740-7755.
Professional Development For ELAR Grades 6-12 Fall 2015
Curriculum Conversations Join us for grade level conversations for help using Schoolnet and the new curriculum. To register, click on the grade level link.
6th 7th 8th
English I and II
English III and IV
Accountable Talk Come discover how to take group discussions to a whole new level. We will build critical thinking skills through oral language development. This sessions is applicable for all grade levels . To register, click here.
Critical Literacy Learn to build critical readers using the six lenses of critical reading. This strategy is sure to take reading skills to a new level. To register, click here.
Intermediate ELAR Professional Learning Fall 2015 Genre Connections The focus of this workshop is to move students beyond simple genre identification and immerse readers in what makes these genres truly unique. Participants will look at the text structure for each genre and be given strategies to support not only the reading of genres, but the writing of the different types of genres, as well.
Make It Real In this session, participants will take an in depth look at informational text. Participants will be provided with strategies to help their students identify distinctive characteristics of the genre in order to make inferences, draw conclusions, and analyze informational text.
Dive Deep Into Writing This workshop is a three day training to help teachers guide students through the writing process. Teachers will be asked to use the strategies presented each session with their students before they come to the next session. Time will be set aside to reflect on what went well and what needed tweaking. Emphasis will be on the writing process while incorporating revision and editing mini-lessons.
Click here for session dates and times.
Click on date to register.
Click on Oct. 1st for link to register.
Social Studies
Quick Tips
for Success
Planning for Process Skills
The most significant thing a Social Studies teacher can do to promote student success is to incorporate a variety of process skills into the lesson plans, every day. Social Studies Process Skills lead students to critical and creative thinking, analysis of primary sources, and effective communication. The following is an overview of Process Skills taken from the TEKS in grades 4-12. K-12 Social Studies Learning Plans provided in SchoolNet incorporate a variety of process skills to assist you in planning to meet the needs of your students. Acquiring Information Differentiate between, locate, and use valid primary and secondary sources such as: • Computer software • Databases • Media and news services, • Biographies, • Interviews, • And artifacts Multiple sources of geographic information such as • Photographs • Maps
Analyzing and Processing Information Analyze information by • sequencing, • categorizing, • identifying cause-and-effect relationships, • comparing, • contrasting, • finding the main idea, • summarizing, • making generalizations and predictions, • and drawing inferences and conclusions. Identify and evaluate • Points of view, • Historical context, • Bias, • The validity of a source. Use mathematical skills to interpret maps and graphs.
Communication of Information Create • Maps • Graphs, charts, models, databases • Oral, visual, and written presentations of Social Studies information
Use social studies terminology correctly, standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Transfer information from one medium to another.
Contact Amy Mount, Social Studies Coordinator, for more information.
Problem Solving and Decision Making Use problem-solving and decision-making processes to • identify a problem, • gather information, • list and consider options, • consider advantages and disadvantages, • choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.
Social Studies
GISD
ed camp (sort of)
October 19, 2015 North Garland High School Library *choose your session* Session 1: 3-4:30 Session 2: 4:30-6
Choose from professional learning opportunities that blend traditional PD and participant-led sessions.
traditional learning sessions
Meeting the Needs of ELLs Making Learning Plans Work for You TEKS Deconstruction for Building Success
unconference conversations
What is a PLN and how do I grow one? What are some cool things in the new textbooks? How am I using my iPad in class? How am I leading my department or grade level?
whiparound
Your 30 seconds of air time to share 1 great thing
Questions? Contact Amy Mount, Social Studies Coordinator almount@garlandisd.net / 972-487-3142 / 281-910-3845
SATURDAY, APRIL 16th, 2016
CURTIS CULWELL CENTER
CHALLENGES
SHOWCASES
PreK – Solo Cup Tower
MAKER CREATOR Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. Got a problem? Create a solution. Open-ended creativity and innovation at its finest! Submissions due February 15, 2016 SCIENCE FAIR Elementary Regional Submissions due January 8, 2016 Elementary Regional Fair at the Curtis Culwell Center February 1-2, 2016 Secondary Regional Submissions due February 1, 2016 Secondary Regional at Fair Park February 27, 2016
Kindergarten – Dixie Cup Tower 1st Grade – Index Card Tower 2nd Grade – Spaghetti Tower 3rd Grade – Balloon Powered Car 4th Grade – Rubber Band Powered Car 5th Grade – Roller Coaster 6th Grade – Rube Goldberg 7th Grade – Clean Water On The Go 8th Grade – Catapult High School – Trebuchet High School – Renewable Renovations Submissions due February 15, 2016
VEX ROBOTICS REC competition January 30 at the Curtis Culwell Center and district competition and showcase April 16 at the STEAMposium
AND MUCH MORE!
#gisdSTEAM
The Maker Movement sweeping the nation is a back to basics "Tinkering in the garage" style of innovating and creating.
MAKER CREATOR
Submissions due Monday, February 15, 2016 Showcase and Judging April 16, 2016 STEAMposium
A GISD Maker Creator project can take many forms. It might be a simple idea for an invention to meet a need in the world (an automatic toast butterer?!?!) or an authentic creative product. As a maker, students take a concept and turn it into a real prototype. This involves exploration, sharing ideas with others, choosing and defining a project, planning, executing and refining a plan, and displaying the final product. 3D PRINTER PROJECTS INTERACTIVE ART PROJECTS TEXTILE ARTS AND CRAFTS ELECTRIC VEHICLES BICYCLES JEWELRY CUSTOM TOOLS OR MACHINES FOOD CREATIONS
“IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT, YOU CAN MAKE IT.”
ROBOTICS LEGO CREATIONS ARDUINO PROJECTS RASPBERRY PI GREEN TECHNOLOGY NOVEL CRAFTS (WOOD, GLASS, METAL) WHIMSICAL CREATIONS
#gisdSTEAM
t−shirt contest Submissions due Friday, March 25, 2016
STEAM Design contest
?
• Science • Technology • Engineering • Arts • Math Elementary, Middle, High School Judging April 16, 2016, at STEAMposium
Campus-based judges including parents, students, teachers, administrators, will select the top design to be printed on a shirt for STEAMletes and teachers to wear as they participate in the April 16, 2016, STEAMposium. All shirts will be displayed at the event for judging and recognition. Each campus submitting a design will earn points toward the STEAMly Cup!
#gisdSTEAM
ACCOMMODATING VARIOUS LEARNING STYLES
Accommodating the various learning styles of students can be highly effective when those accommodations match the student’s strengths and targeted deficit areas. Learning preference questionnaires are quick ways to determine student’s learning styles. The link below provides a list of available questionnaires. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tg-‐ AEj41aMmERjzRlC6qNy4yohnm5ZeTgrglExcRye8/edit?usp=sharing LEARNING STYLES
Visual Learners: • • •
Support Text information with pictures, graphics, and key words Emphasize key points using highlighters, highlighting tape, or color coding Present new information using outlines, advanced organizers, and notes
Auditory Learners: • • •
Verbalize steps needed to solve problems and substitute oral reports in place of written reports Use brainstorming, cooperative learning, and listening opportunities Encourage students to read aloud quietly to process information (whisper phones)
Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: • • •
Encourage students in hands-on learning experiences and alternate between passive and active activities Create and use student responses involving hand motions, clapping hands, tapping feet, or snapping fingers Encourage the use of a ruler, marker, index card, or other tracker to maintain the place in reading text or assist in task completion
Bringing the Real World Into the Classroom Build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information across all subject areas.
Start with “Why” Containing thousands of standardsaligned resources, Discovery Education Streaming Plus provides you with the tools to teach your students to think critically about the content they use, see, and experience in their daily lives and to ask questions about the world around them. In support of standards-based instruction, Streaming Plus is centered around the student experience. It is designed to allow students to: »» Build background knowledge through research »» Engage and interact with different types of text, both print and digital media »» Identify main ideas and key details »» Critically evaluate the information to draw conclusions »» Cite relevant evidence to support their answers »» Become confident, self-directed learners With our most popular feature, Board Builder, students create virtual project boards using multimedia and text to synthesize their thinking and provide evidence of their understanding of a concept or problem.
Support multiple learning styles with this powerful and inclusive multimedia resource. DiscoveryEducation.com/StreamingPlus DiscoveryEducation.com EducationPartnerships@Discovery.com 800-323-9084 © 2015 Discovery Education, Inc.
Follow us online: www.youtube.com/discoveryeducation twitter.com/discoveryed www.facebook.com/discoveryed
With over 50% of U.S. schools using our services, we have deep-rooted partnerships and a foundation of success in positively impacting teaching and learning.
8 Reasons Teachers are Clicking with Streaming Plus
Discovery Education Streaming Plus is a comprehensive digital service that motivates students to learn and helps teachers in every content area to transform their instruction. Designed and driven by state standards, Streaming Plus uses engaging multimedia resources to add power to your lessons while supporting rigorous curriculum requirements. 1. Access a wide variety of learning resources, including instructional videos, skill builders, writing prompts, multimedia activities, and articles. 2. Save time with Model Lessons, practical examples that show how to pull the content together to meet specific standards. 3. Quickly find appropriate and relevant content, search by standard, grade level or subject, and more. 4. Put students in control of their learning with individual student logins, the Student Center, and Board Builder, a virtual project board for students to produce and share their own content. 5. Personalize instruction by creating informal, individual assessments with our Builder Tools to get actionable feedback on student understanding. 6. Learn how to use the resources in the most effective way with in-product professional development modules and on-site professional development options. 7. Find unique “Discovery”-only opportunities such as the Global Wrap news service, virtual field trips and exclusive content collections. 8. Be part of a global professional learning community, the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) is a community of educational professionals that fosters valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.
“Discovery Education Streaming Plus is an amazing resource…it allows students to explore and create in the classroom…and can be life-changing for teachers if they utilize it in all of its capabilities.” Pam Inabinett, Teacher Dorchester Schools, SC
Educator Open House
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden 4:00-7:00pm
Join us for a special after hours event just for educators on Tuesday, October 6. Come preview all of our educational programming in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, and enjoy a glass of wine and light bites on the Moody Oasis during a time it is rarely seen - dusk. Our Education Department team will be in the learning galleries to facilitate your experience and answer any questions you may have about a trip to the Dallas Arboretum. Educators in attendance will receive a four pack of Dallas Arboretum admission passes after they bring their school group to the garden during this school year. Space is limited so share with a friend and save your spots today!
R E S E R VAT I O N R E Q U I R E D F O R T H I S F R E E E V E N T Complete the Educator Open House reservation form at: http://www.dallasarboretum.org/education/other-childrens-programs or contact our reservationists by email at education@dallasarboretum.org or phone at 214.515.6540.
m providing six is a TEKS-based progra ated by a min in-class lesson plans cul ck barns sto live learning excursion to the d nde inte is m at Fair Park. This progra of e anc ort imp to raise awareness and th. you an urb in e ltur agricu
ements Participation Requir cipal’s) approval. 1. Obtain administration (prin
2. Teachers agree to: n form. • Complete Farm Day at the Fair registratio . class of e • Provide demographic profil • Take part in evaluation survey. • Obtain chaperones per district guidelines.
schools. 3. Bus transportation is to be arranged by
016_331A_2015_Farm_Brochure_I1.indd 1
•DISD CATCH Program
•Dallas County Master Gardeners
•North Texas Master Naturalists
•Local FFA Chapters
•Dallas Ag Club
•Dallas County Farm Bureau
•Lonestar Ag Credit
•My Pets
•Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Service
•Texas Farm Bureau
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS AGRICULTURE/LIVESTOCK P.O. BOX 150009 DALLAS, TEXAS 75315
Parent chaperones are limited to one parent per 10 kids, all additional parents must pay for their own parking and admission.
Special Thanks to Our Supporters •Southwest Dairy Farmers
5. Complete complementary lessons prior to attendance.
A State Fair of Texas Educational program brought to you by the Dallas County Urban Ag Day Committee.
4. Lunch is not provided. Shelter and tables are provided for a brown bag picnic. Lunches may be stored on-site during programs.
October 7-15, 2015 5/20/2015 2:59:33 PM
We offer two distinct learning experiences, one for third-graders and a more science based program for fourth-graders.
3rd GRADE Milking Parlor: Attend a milking demonstration and learn about many nutritious and useful foods that come from milk and cattle. Just the Facts: Learn the roles farm animals play in providing food and products to consumers.
Tour Dates and Times All grades can participate in any tour on any day! Available days are: Wednesday, October 7; Thursday, October 8; Monday, October 12; Tuesday, October 13; Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15. Additional dates may be available, if needed.
Tours 1 & 2: Arrival 9:15 am Tour 9:30 – 11:30 am Lunch at 11:30 am
Tours 5 & 6: Arrival 10:45 am Tour 11:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch at 11:00 am
Tours 3 & 4: Arrival 9:45 am Tour 10:00 – Noon Lunch at Noon
Tours 7 & 8: Arrival 11:45 am Tour Noon – 2:00 pm No on-site lunch option
We Meet TEKS
Download complete lesson plans at bigtex.com/farmday
Language Arts Health
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Guest Speaker
Farm Day at the Fair is excited to offer a guest speaker to visit your classroom and teach a TEKS based lesson plan about all the things your kids are about to see. Available dates are September 22 through October 2, 2015. Contact Tamra McGaughy at tdmcgaughy@ag.tamu.edu to schedule today!
Water World: Water conservation is not just for farmers and ranchers. Students learn where water comes from and how they can conserve water at home. Crop Up: Examine plants and their by-products used by humans and animals every day.
4th GRADE
Milking Parlor: Attend a milking demonstration and learn about many nutritious and useful foods that come from milk and cattle. Animal Science: Students learns about common farm animal anatomy and how it makes them different from humans. Tree Life: Trees do more than provide oxygen and paper. Students learn the inner workings of these great organisms and their effect on our everyday lives. Water World: Water conservation is not just for farmers and ranchers. Students learn where water comes from and how they can conserve water at home.
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Registration
For more information or to register your class visit: bigtex.com/farmday Acceptance by return email. Registrations will be confirmed in the last week of August 2015 for you to reserve buses (depending on school calendar). E-mail inquiries to Jeff Raska at jwraska@ag.tamu.edu A State Fair of Texas Educational program brought to you by the Dallas County Urban Ag Day Committee.
Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation to participate in this exhibit are encouraged to contact Dallas County Extension 214-904-3050 for assistance. Extension programs serve people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.
5/20/2015 2:59:37 PM