Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
December 14, 2011
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
NEWSLETTER A Message from Heidi... Inside this issue:
Dear Staff, Happy Holidays! I wish you and your family a joy-filled holiday season. I hope you find your break relaxing, fun and safe. We will return in 2012 to continue our commitment to our students— providing the best education for them. All the Best!
2
Olweus Update
2
IXL Statistics
2
Service Learning
3
Community Enrichment
3
Did You Know?
3
Book Drive
4
Kindergarten and 1st Grade Play
Heidi Kast, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
New State Test Coming 2014-2015 With the Race to the Top came Common Core Standards and a new test for measuring the new standards in ELA and math. Two consortia are currently working to develop the assessment: SMARTER/Balanced Assessment (SBAC) and Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career
Technology Update
(PARCC). The test is expected for implementation in the 2014-2015 school year.
Please see ATTACHMENT #1 PowerPoint from MDE for more information.
Kindergarten and 1st grade each had a day during the first week of December to work with Mary Masson to dig deeper into the study and importance of play. We believe children learn through play. Children develop language, cognition, socio-emotional, and physical skills, as well as creativity, through play. Therefore we need to:
The major changes include:
Keep play experiences
Moving online
Provide children oppor-
Scoring
Reporting
fresh, relevant, and fun tunities, materials, and time for free play within our daily schedule
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Page 2
Technology Update
Our district will be receiving one time funds for the compliance of best practices. The Board has approved to use a portion of these funds for technology. Specifically, each elementary and middle school will receive netbook carts and the high school labs will be replaced. The netbook carts will be purchased soon while the labs at the high school well be completed in late spring/summer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Recently, you were asked to complete a technology survey required by the state. Please see the results, in ATTACHMENT # 4. Be one of the first to email Heidi a statistic from the survey results to win a CIA prize!
Olweus Update There were 4 staff members that applied to attend the training to become certified Olweus trainers for our District. At this point, the District has received the funding to train 2 people. Brent Skiba, Family School Coordinator at Pine Tree and Cindy Hilley, head custodian at Oakview, attended the training the first week of December. Brent and Cindy have been very active in their buildings’ implementa-
tion of Olweus. It is hopeful that we may be able to bring the training to Michigan in the spring. If that transpires, we are hoping to be training the other two applicants, Andrea Rutlege from the high school and Kim Haynes, Counselor at Oakview. Both Andrea and Kim have helped to coordinate Olweus in their buildings. Currently, the District has
applied for grants for bullying prevention. We have been granted one at this time. Letters have been sent to some local organizations and a presentation was done for the Chamber of Commerce. Efforts are being made to receive funding and get the community involved. Please see ATTACHMENT #2, a brochure summarizing some important information regarding this District initiative.
IXL Statistics IXL’s use is increasing. The following stats are highlights from November.
Stadium—2nd and 4th grades have 99% using it and 100% of 3rd grade
Carpenter— 86% of K and 2nd grade has 100%
Pine Tree—5th grade is at 97%
Paint Creek—has 2nd grade and 3rd gades at 96%
Waldon— has 7th at 97% This is an excellent resource for students both at school and at home. Please be sure you are taking advantage of it. Teachers are using the program for homework, centers, competitions, and District instruction. Some teachers are
sending home the standards from the unit they are teaching that align to IXL so parents can work with their students. Parents and students love the program! If you have not already done so, please find a way to incorporate this program into your teaching whether it be direct or indirect.
December 14, 2011 Page 3
Academic Service Learning and Student Engagement Academic Service Learning as a teaching strategy provides students with the opportunity to meet clearly established academic goals while they provide meaningful service to the community. One of the key elements of Academic Service Learning that makes it so successful is student engagement. When the service is connected to academic classroom content, students see that they are able to apply that classroom content, as well as their own social and personal skills, to improve the community. No longer does the teacher have to answer the question, “Why am I learning this?” or “How are we ever going to use this in our lives?” As students use the content learned in the classroom to work on projects that offer
“real life” experiences and see that they can have an impact by doing for others, they are naturally motivated and the material presented in class becomes more meaningful. Academic Service Learning engages and, therefore, motivates students at all levels, from highability students to those who do not respond as well to traditional approaches. In addition to traditional approaches, ASL employs a variety of participatory and experiential approaches that enhance student learning. These approaches include discussion, practicing of new skills, and instructing others. According to the National Training Lab, Bethel, Maine, The Learning Pyramid below shows the retention rate of the different teaching methods.
Through Academic Service Learning activities, students not only feel that they belong to a group that is pursuing a common goal, they feel a heightened sense of accomplishment and pride as they observe the results of their efforts. ASL gives everyone the opportunity to be successful as they learn to be better students and citizens and gain a sense of empowerment and pride in their ability to help others. Want to know more? Have an idea? Need help with a project? Contact Laurie Trafton, Academic Service Learning Coordinator at Ext. 6427 or 248-693-5436, Ext. 2, (email: ltrafton@lakeorion.k12.mi.us) for further information and resources.
Community Enrichment Expands Academic Offerings The LOCS Community Enrichment Department has been extremely busy creating many new programs and classes for the upcoming new year. Accordingly, the majority of new programs being offered will be educational based. There are still the regular staple courses like painting, dance, sports, exercise, etc. offered in the depart-
ment’s bi-annual brochures (the next one comes out in mid-December). However, the freshest enrichment offerings hit upon some of the key LOCS curriculum areas for elementary students such as: Writer’s Workshop, Summer Math Boost, Summer Reading Boost, and Summer Writing Boost. Likewise, other new courses that will complement
Did You Know??? Lake Orion High School welcomes nine exchange students this school year. These students are enrolled in the tenth and eleventh grades and will participate in English as a Second Language program. They will spend the year like typical LOHS students: going to classes, getting involved in
extracurricular activities, and hanging out with friends. While living with host families, they will experience new foods, holidays, and do some traveling. The countries represented by these students this year are Germany, the Czech Republic, France and Korea.
the curricular based courses include: After School Spanish, Kids With Cameras, LEGO engineering, and Drawing/art classes. In terms of secondary and adult education, German and Spanish classes along with MS Office Computer Classes make up some of the newest programs being offered to the public.
Shows the average percentage of retention of material after 24 hours for each instructional method.
Did you find the snow flake?!! Not this one!!!
LOCS Book Drive a HUGE success!! This November Lake Orion Community Schools hosted it’s 2nd annual used book drive. Our mission was to match more kids with the perfect books to support their growth as a reader. Thank you to parents and community members for their donations. 696 books were adopted by classroom teachers for direct use in Lake Orion classrooms. Each of these books is valued at a minimum $5.00. Cleaning out our bookshelves saved LOCS over $3,480.00! Watch for upcoming details on our spring book drive. Questions may be forwarded to Kate DiMeo, kdimeo@lakeorion.k12.mi.us. Thank you for your generosity!!
CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT CONTACTS Heidi Kast……...Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Marysue Schwartzmiller….Administrative Assistant 248-693-5409 or Ext. 3908 Linda Glowaz….Assessment Coordinator...Ext. 6410 District Department Chairs…………..Listed on LOnet District School Improvement Chairs………..Listed on LOnet
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The Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment invites you. . . Join us as we grow together by participating in a professional book club on Reader’s Workshop. This spring, we will be discussing Teaching Reading in Small Groups by Jennifer Seravallo.
For teachers who sometimes feel as if data-based instruction, differentiated groupings, and formative assessments somehow involve going over to The Dark Side, this book is a powerful antidote. It will help you know that you can hold tight to your deepest beliefs about children and literature, classroom communities and good teaching. —Lucy Calkins If you choose to participate, the book will be offered to you for only $10.00. As a way of saying thank you for going the extra mile, the district will cover the additional cost. Student teachers, long term substitutes, friends from other districts etc. are welcome to participate but must purchase his/her own book independently. Interschool mail or e-mail Kate DiMeo at Webber by January 20th at 3:30 PM to reserve your book. The book and reading assignments will be sent to you via interschool mail. You will only need to return the book if you do not attend at least three of the four meetings on the book. All meetings will take place at Webber from 4:15-5:15 PM in the teacher’s lounge. Childcare will be arranged if interest is expressed. Teaching Reading in Small Groups (grades 1-8) February 7 (Tuesday), February 28 (Tuesday), March 6 (Tuesday), March 20 (Tuesday) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This information may be e-mailed or interschool mailed to Kate DiMeo by January 20th. Name_________________________________ School_______________ Grade Level___________ Enclose $10.00 for each book (non-LOCS employees include $27.00 per book). Checks may be made payable to LOCS.
Teaching Reading in Small Groups
By Jennifer Serraavallo
Attachment 4 ~ page 1
Question
District
State
Administrators
Categories Teachers
Media Spec.
Other
Elementary
Level Middle
High School
4.37
4.35
4.69
4.37
4.78
4.00
4.35
4.51
4.30
3.63
3.64
3.94
3.63
4.22
3.20
3.79
3.67
3.38
1
What is your skill level in using email (e.g., able to open and send email and work with attachments)?
2
What is your skill level in using digital cameras in the learning environment?
3
What is your skill level in using projection devices (e.g., data projectors, document cameras, interactive whiteboards) in the learning environment?
3.14
3.39
3.94
3.14
4.11
2.60
2.84
3.42
3.35
4
What is your skill level in using classroom response systems (e.g., CPS or Turning Point Clickers) in the learning environment?
1.87
2.35
2.75
1.82
2.89
1.50
1.58
2.04
2.15
5
What is your skill level in querying a database?
2.41
2.72
3.06
2.34
4.44
1.90
2.17
2.50
2.68
6
What is your skill level in using a spreadsheet?
3.27
3.46
3.88
3.22
4.11
2.90
3.09
3.34
3.46
7
What is your skill level in using digital tools to create documents (e.g., word processing, Google Docs, WordPad)?
3.49
3.80
4.19
3.49
4.44
2.20
3.38
3.55
3.57
8
What is your skill level with assessment/evaluation tools such as online survey makers (e.g., Google Forms, Survey Monkey, Zoomerang)?
2.49
3.00
3.44
2.41
4.11
2.30
2.38
2.74
2.44
9
What is your skill level with assessment/evaluation tools such as rubric makers (e.g., RubiStar or other rubric making sites)?
2.14
2.42
2.75
2.11
3.00
1.50
2.01
2.37
2.14
10
What is your skill level using PowerSchool?
3.82
3.45
4.31
3.91
3.44
4.00
3.53
4.18
3.98
11
What is your skill level in using Pearson Inform for data inquiry and analysis of student achievement?
2.68
2.50
3.13
2.72
2.89
2.90
2.78
3.06
2.26
12
What is your skill level in using keyboarding short cuts (e.g., Ctrl+A highlights/selects all text)?
2.97
3.26
3.50
2.95
4.00
2.50
2.87
3.16
2.95
13
What is your skill level with blogging tools?
2.05
2.43
2.75
1.98
3.33
1.70
1.95
2.18
2.10
14
What is your skill level in using collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs, Wikispaces, Buzzword)?
2.08
2.54
2.69
2.03
4.22
1.50
1.92
2.33
2.12
15
What is your skill level in using online content area tools that provide lesson plans, interactive and instructional materials?
2.90
2.47
2.75
2.93
4.00
2.10
2.90
3.06
2.81
16
What is your skill level with using digital differentiation tools (e.g., Premier Assistive Technology Suite, LearnPort's Nettrekker, VozMe, Read the Words)?
1.44
1.82
1.81
1.39
2.67
1.30
1.35
1.52
1.48
17
What is your knowledge level of the online digital citizenship resources available which teach web site evaluation, cyber safety, and acceptable use?
1.79
2.26
2.38
1.67
4.44
1.70
1.70
1.94
1.84
18
What is your skill level in using digital tools that allow editing and enhancement of digital images?
2.37
2.80
2.75
2.32
3.78
2.00
2.29
2.55
2.32
19
What is your skill level in using online digital story telling tools (i.e., PhotoStory 3, MovieMaker, iMovie)?
2.02
2.41
2.13
1.97
3.44
1.70
1.87
2.33
1.97
Attachment 4 ~page 2
Question
District
State
Administrators
Categories Teachers
Media Spec.
Other
Elementary
Level Middle
High School
20
What is your skill level in using online tools for creating an online presence (e.g., Blackboard, Moodle, EduBlogs/blog, or a variety of tools)?
2.32
2.61
2.81
2.30
4.00
1.80
1.90
2.69
2.61
21
What is your skill level in using a course management system (e.g., Blackboard, Moodle) to enhance, extend, and/or provide online learning experiences?
2.26
2.48
2.88
2.24
3.78
1.90
1.82
2.63
2.63
22
What is your skill level in using online interactive learning or virtual tools (e.g., Google Earth, Thinkfinity/Illuminations)?
2.16
2.57
2.56
2.13
3.33
1.80
1.97
2.35
2.24
23
What is your skill level in using online video resources (e.g., SchoolTube, TeacherTube, YouTube)?
2.94
3.24
3.31
2.94
4.00
2.00
2.63
3.33
2.99
24
What is your skill level in using commercial online video resources such as United Streaming or Learn360)?
2.61
2.84
3.25
2.65
4.11
1.90
2.42
2.97
2.57
25
What is your skill level in using audio resources in the learning environment (e.g., iTunes, podcasts)?
2.56
2.86
3.31
2.52
3.44
2.20
2.42
2.83
2.54
26
What is your skill level in creating audio content for use in a learning environment (e.g., Audacity, GarageBand)?
1.71
2.05
2.38
1.67
2.78
1.20
1.56
1.88
1.78
27
What is your skill level in using file conversion tools?
2.13
1.85
2.69
2.10
3.22
1.80
1.97
2.22
2.27
28
What is your skill level in creating digital presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Presentations)?
3.33
3.59
3.94
3.33
4.33
2.60
3.05
3.56
3.54
29
What is your skill level in using online tools to create screencasts (e.g., CamStudio, Camtasia)?
1.55
1.75
1.94
1.52
3.00
1.30
1.35
1.74
1.69
30
What is your skill level in using webinar and video conferencing resources?
1.78
2.14
2.81
1.70
3.44
1.80
1.63
2.06
1.76
31
What is your skill level in using Distance Learning resources (e.g., T.W.I.C.E., virtual fieldtrips)?
1.60
1.96
2.19
1.55
3.22
1.60
1.46
1.76
1.66
32
What is your skill level in using online communication tools with voice and video (e.g., Skype, GoogleTalk)?
2.40
2.65
3.31
2.35
3.22
1.80
2.22
2.67
2.40
33
What is your skill level in using online social networking tools (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Michigan LearnPort)?
3.04
3.27
3.31
2.98
3.78
2.70
3.02
3.15
2.93
34
What is your skill level in using online educational databases?
2.68
2.73
3.19
2.65
4.11
2.20
2.53
2.81
2.77
35
What is your skill level in using online citation tools?
2.19
1.98
2.75
2.15
3.78
1.80
1.86
2.43
2.48
36
What is your skill level in using online tools to attach copyright to created works?
1.74
1.61
2.25
1.68
3.33
1.90
1.56
1.87
1.90
37
What is your skill level in using an RSS reader?
1.52
1.86
2.25
1.45
2.89
1.50
1.30
1.70
1.67
38
What is your skill level in using online organizational tools for bookmarking web sites?
2.84
2.17
3.44
2.80
3.78
2.70
2.86
2.98
2.71
Attachment 4 ~ page 3
Question
District
State
Administrators
Categories Teachers
Media Spec.
Other
Elementary
Level Middle
High School
39
What is your skill level in using digital calendars (e.g., GroupWise, Outlook, Google Calendar)to schedule meetings?
2.74
2.99
4.00
2.64
3.78
2.50
2.62
2.85
2.81
40
What is your skill level in using digital graphic organizers and visual learning tools to mind map, brainstorm, storyboard, or create organization charts (e.g., Inspiration, Kidspiration, Webspiration)?
2.26
2.38
2.69
2.22
4.00
1.90
2.33
2.36
2.09
1.68
1.88
2.38
1.61
3.89
1.30
1.51
1.93
1.73
2.16
2.43
2.88
2.06
4.11
1.90
1.88
2.30
2.43
2.99
3.41
3.25
2.94
4.33
2.70
2.86
3.14
2.99
41
What is your skill level in using word cloud tools to support learning?
42
What is your skill level in using criteria to critically evaluate web sites?
43
Rate your skill level integrating technology in your work?