February 2015 teaching and learning parent newsletter by Lake Orion Community Schools

FEBRUARY, 2015

Teaching and Learning Newsletter

2014 ~ 2015

Message from Heidi... Dear Parents/Guardians,

You will see that a focus in this newsletter is the State testing for this year. There have been several changes.

NEWSLETTER

TEACHING AND LEARNING

I hope this newsletter finds you staying warm and doing your best to enjoy our winter season. It is this time of year that I begin longing for spring.

We are moving from the MEAP test to M-STEP and from the ACT to SAT. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read about these changes so that you are aware of spring testing for your student. We continue to get weekly updates from the State regarding M-STEP. As a district, we have been working diligently to prepare for this change in testing, specifically the test being administered online. While there have been many logistics to figure out, our focus continues to be teaching students to think critically, problem solve, communicate, and apply their knowledge. These skills will prepare students for any test they may take. Teaching skills, rather than teaching the test, will better prepare our students for the world of today and the future. Please take a few moments to read our latest happenings and updates in the Teaching and Learning Department.

Heidi Mercer Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

ELL TESTING

2016 SAT

M-STEP UPDATE

FREE RESOURCES

PREPARING FOR STANDARDIZED

MATH TESTS ELA M-STEP GUIDE STUDENT ATTENDANCE

5, 6,

7 8 9

EARLY CHILDHOOD, KINDERGARTEN, DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGATEN REGISTRATION INFO.

Page 2

ELL (English Language Learners) Testing The testing window for our English Learners is February 9 through March 27.

The test is the

WIDA ACCESS test. Each of the ESL teachers have been trained on giving the test and has had to pass a quiz to be certified. All students who are listed as LEP (Limited English

Proficient) whether they are actively receiving services or not, are required to take the test. means, parent refusals must test also.

Which

Just like

the MME or M-STEP, it is a mandatory state test requiring 100% participation.

AMAOs (Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives). There are 3 important AMAOs: Students showing progress between last year’s test and this year’s testing results.

Starting in

2016 High

ing from ESL services. 3. All ELLs in each of the buildings, making AYP on their regular State standardized tests. The test is paper/pencil this year again, however, next year it will be online. The ESL teachers will be scheduling testing within February 9 and March 27th to accommodate building and teacher schedules. There are over 250 students the ESL teachers must assess

The test is also very important to us in making

2. Students becoming English proficient and exit-

within that 7 week timeline. Because of the WIDA ACCESS testing, regular student instruction periods may be changed. If you want information on your student’s particular schedule for testing, please contact your ESL teacher, in your building.

School Juniors Will Take the SAT Instead of the ACT

On January 7, 2015, the Michigan Department of

aligned to Michigan’s new state standards and it is

Education announced that beginning in 2016 all high

important to test what is being taught. The SAT is a

school juniors will begin taking the SAT as the state-

globally-recognized test accepted by nearly every

administered and required free college entrance ex-

college in the nation. It is anticipated that students

am instead of the ACT.

will do well on the SAT just as they have done well

The College Board won the

three-year bid from the state of Michigan. Nationally, about the same number of students take the ACT and SAT each year.

The state of Michigan, as re-

quired by law, underwent a competitive bidding process to choose Michigan’s college entrance exam. The SAT bid was $15.4 million less over the threeyear contract than the next bidder and scored 10 percentage points higher by the Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC). It is believed that the SAT is better

on the ACT in the past. Beginning in the spring of 2015, the College Board will provide all schools and students with free test prep materials and online practice tests to help students prepare for the redesigned SAT in 2016. The College Board will also provide extensive support and training for teachers, parents, and students in understanding the test and analyzing the results.

Teaching and Learning Page 3 Page 3

State Testing Update The state of Michigan has switched the mandatory state testing from MEAP to M-STEP. This spring the M-STEP will be given to all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. All students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 will take an ELA (reading, writing, language and listening) and math test. Grade 4 and 7 students will also take a science test. Grade 5 and 8 will take a social studies test in addition to math and ELA. Grade 11 will take a science and a social studies test in addition to reading, writing, language and listening. The M-STEP test will be comprised of an online fixed form, a Classroom Activity, and a Performance Task. The online component will consist of

If you would like more information regarding Michigan’s state assessment, M-STEP, please click on the following link: http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-14022709_70117---,00.html If you would like an early preview of sample questions from the M-STEP assessment please copy and paste the following link in Google Chrome (must be in Google Chrome or it will not open successfully): https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/ott1

multiple-choice, technology-enhanced (TE), and short-answer constructed response items. The Classroom Activity is a brief whole group lesson that will build prior knowledge for the perfor-

On the homepage of the LOCS website you will find a button accessing you to additional information regarding M-STEP..

mance task which will be completed individually.

TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER SKILLS NEEDED FOR STATE TESTING A big part of the new state testing – M-STEP – is technology/computer skills (not tablet or I-pad skills).

Some of the technology/computer skills students will be required to perform are:

2014 ~ 2015

Page 8 Page 4

FREE RESOURCES/WEBSITES AVAILABLE TO HELP FAMILIES WITH TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER SKILLS

MOUSE SKILLS

NAVIGATION SKILLS

Birthday Candle Counting gives students the opportunity to practice using the mouse while they practice one-to-one counting.

(Grades K-2)

http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_counting.htm Color, Draw & Paint gives students the opportunity to draw lines, circles and navigate buttons with their mouse. (Grades 1-4) http://www.abcya.com/abcya_paint.htm Mouse Practice Bubble Activity: Students can practice multiple mouse skills, including scrolling, using drop down menus, radio buttons, and accessing links to build their navigation skills. (Grades 3-5) http://www.letsgolearn.com/bubble.html

Word Machine allows students to practice their short vowel sounds while learning how to look for 'Hot Spots' when navigating websites. (Grades K-2) http://more2.starfall.com/m/word-machines/shorta/load.htm?f&d=demo&n=main&y=1 In the Number Chart Game students will place numbers in the appropriate location on the number chart while choosing between levels and finding hot spots. (Grades 1-4) http://www.abcya.com/ one_hundred_number_chart_game.htm Comic Strip: Students will learn to navigate a webpage by reading instructions, clicking items, dragging items, viewing videos, and entering text into fields. (Grades 3-11)

KEYBOARDING SKILLS Starfall 2D & 3D Shapes will allow students to

Keyboarding Zoo: Students will practice finding

identify 2D & 3D shapes while they practice how

the keys on the keyboard. (Grades K-4)

to 'drag and drop'. (Grades K-2) http://more2.starfall.com/m/math/geometrycontent/load.htm?f&d=demo&n=enviroshapes&y=1

http://www.abcya.com/keyboarding_practice.htm

Keyboard Climber: Students will navigate the website to begin and type keys that appear.

Practice spelling site words by dragging and

(Grades K-4)

dropping letters to spell the word. (Grades 1-4)

http://www.tvokids.com/games/keyboardclimber

http://www.abcya.com/ dolch_sight_word_spelling.htm

Practice keyboarding skills with Sky Chase. (Grades 3-11)

Clean-Up Your Grammar: Students will practice following instructions by dragging and dropping items thus reinforcing the skills of dragging and dropping within a field. (Grades 3-11) http:// www.missmaggie.org/scholastic/ cleanup_eng_launcher.html

http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/games/sky -chase/sky-chase.html

Page 5

Preparing for Standardized Math Tests This Spring, students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be taking an assessment that does not look or act like the ones in the past. Students will take the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) on-line. This standardized test is no longer just fill in the bubble, rather students will manipulate items on the screen, type in responses, complete a class activity, and also a performance task on-line. The M-STEP covers the areas of reading and math. English language arts and mathematics will be assessed in grades 3–8, science in grades 4 and 7, and social studies in grades 5 and 8. It also includes the Michigan Merit Examination in 11th grade which consists of the ACT Plus Writing, WorkKeys, and M-STEP summative in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The following information is some helpful tips to help our children be prepared for the new standardized tests: 1. Know how the test is set up: Knowing the format of the assessment, approximate amount of questions, and length of time given helps test takers know in advance what to expect. The ACT (Grade 11) test has 60 math questions test takers are allowed 60 minutes to complete this portion of the exam. The math questions on the ACT are multiple choice. The M-STEP (Grades 3-8 and 11) has a variety of questions types ranging from multiple choice, choose all that apply, numerical response, short answer, and a multi-step performance task. Although there is no time limit on the M-STEP, a suggested time of 1-1.5 hours is suggested depending on the section of the test. 2. View some sample problems: After you know the format of the assessment, take a look at some sample problems. This will help students see how the assessment is asking students to think and use mathematical reasoning. It will also help to get familiar with any on-line tools provided to assist during the test. For example, an on-line calculator that looks different than the one used daily in class. Some questions may have you navigate lines or shapes on the screen. Students in grades 3-8, and 11 will be previewing these samples in school prior to the assessment. The following links will provide sample questions and access to on-line tools to follow up with more practice at home. M-STEP – http://aware.22itrig.org/practice-problems.html (must use Google Chrome) ACT - http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/math/math_01.html

3. Standardized Test Prep courses/materials: It is a good idea to complete a standardized test practice test several weeks or months before students are scheduled to take the ACT or M-STEP. This will help students identify areas where they may need to seek standardized test preparation assistance prior to sitting for the exam. If students need to brush up on math before the test, seek the assistance of a math tutor, or take a standardized test prep course. Some courses can be taken through the community education programs, on-line, or purchase of materials. Do your research and check to make sure the course/materials are a good fit for your child. Here is a resource that provides a list of factors to consider when choosing a prep course. http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/2013/07/29/how-to-select-the-right-sat-act-prepcourse 4.

Prepare the mind and body the day of the test.

     

Eat properly prior to the test. Avoid overeating just before the test. Eat a good breakfast and/or lunch before the test. Do not drink too much before the test: you do not want to have to use the restroom during the test. Avoid too much caffeinated beverages before the test; this may cause nervousness. If taking prescribed medications, be aware of their effects on your concentration and thinking. Adjust your intellectual activity accordingly. Get a good night sleep before the test. Staying up late cramming is not productive and can reduce mental sharpness. Do not study the day of the test. Relax and be confident. Additional studying will only cause more nervousness and reduced confidence. Before the test, take a nice walk around the campus and think positive thoughts.

 

ACT test day check-list: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/taking/

Teaching and Learning Page 6 5.

During the test

   

Bring all necessary materials to the test: At least 2 sharp pencils. Good eraser. Turn off cell phones during the exam.

 Look over the test for length and difficulty of problems.  Determine the average time to devote to each problem.    

Manage time during the test Limit the time spent on each problem. Know how much time is left until the end of the test. Work on the easiest problems first.

 Do a "data dump:"  If common formulas are not provided, write down all formulas and important ideas when you first get the test, while your memory is fresh and so you can refer to them during the test. Read all directions carefully. Follow the directions.

 Check your work!  Are your answers accurate?  Did you complete the problem?  Did you answer all the questions?  Do not leave the test room early! Use the extra time to check your work again if you finish early.  Relax.    

If you feel anxious or frustrated during the test: Stop working, put down your pencil, close your eyes. Take slow, deep breaths. Think positively and remove all negative thoughts. Open your eyes and get back to work.

Page 7

Common Test taking errors to avoid

Research has shown that there are six types of test-taking errors that are commonly made by students taking math tests. You can improve your test scores by watching out for these errors before they occur.

Error

Misread the directions.

Careless errors.

Causes

To Avoid the Error

   

Failure to read directions.



Not understanding the directions.



  

Lack of focus on what you are doing.

   



Ignoring the directions. Not reading the directions carefully.

Becoming tired or distracted. Transfer wrong numbers on scrap paper Disorganized



    Concept errors.

   Application errors.



    Test-taking errors.

      

Study errors.

 

Not understanding how to do a problem. Not fully understanding the concepts and principles behind a problem. Lack of practice in working similar problems. Failure to attend class, take notes or do homework regularly.

 

You know the concept, but cannot fully apply it to a problem. Lack of practice in applying the concepts before the test.

Bad test-taking habits.

  

Inefficient use of time on a test. Not completing a problem to the last step. Doubting yourself and changing correct answers to incorrect answers. Spending too much time on one problem. Rushing through the test.



Miscopying the question or steps in your work. Leaving answers blank.



Calculator errors.

  



Leaving a test early. Uncertainty on what concepts and skills the test will assess. Not spending enough time studying, learning and practicing the material. Not practicing checking your answers.

 

Read all directions on the test carefully. Follow the directions after you have read them. When doing homework and practice tests, note the directions (ie. "solve," "simplify," "evaluate," "factor," etc.) and know the procedures that these directions are asking you to do.

Don't rush through an answer. Look for sign errors. Look for arithmetic errors. Double check you have transferred the correct numbers/problem on your work paper Put the problem number next to the work on your scrap paper Check all your work!

Learn all the material well before the test. Study examples from the assessment, course notes and homework. Take practice tests.

Practice all types of application (word) problems before the test. Memorize methods for specific applications (for example, mixture problems). Use your self-confidence and intuition to apply concepts in a new way. If possible, review the test first; decide about how much time to devote to each question. Complete the entire problem and answer the question being asked. Proceed through the test in a methodical way, at a steady pace. Check all your work for correctness in copying questions and steps. Work all problems as much as you can. Be careful how you input numbers and operations onto the screen. Stay in the classroom/area until the end of the test; check your answers again if you have extra time.

Know on what material you will be tested. Do all available practice tests beforehand.

Page 8

Helping Your Child Make The Shift to the English Language Arts M-STEP M-STEP will test standards for what students should be able to read and write at each grade level. The new standards are more challenging than previous standards and will better prepare students for success in college and career in the 21st century. There are many things that families can do to support this shift at home. Use this guide to begin to think about what you can do in your home to grow your child as a reader and writer. Small investments can lead to big improvements in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test scores. Students Must:

Families Can: