Addendum for April 19th-2th

Teachers,

This will be brief! This is information that is on a short timeline if you are interested. 

SMART MATH CLASS:

You may have seen this announcement in Inside 24J, but I want to be sure you each see it. There’s a flyer attached and what follows is the information from I24J. 

Want to know more?

Find all related information such as the application and a sample lesson at
http://bit.ly/AboutSMARTMath2012 (case sensitive).

If you have further questions, please call or email Melissa Garner at

503-399-3031 or garner_melissa@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Enjoy the rest of your week,
Brenda

Salem-Keizer is accepting applications to participate in the SMART Math project. The goal of this project is to create SMART Notebook files aligned to Common Core math standards in grades K-7. Teams of three teachers at each grade level will work together to create content starting with the first unit in the fall and continuing through the year. These Notebook files will focus on the Launch and Summarize parts of a lesson and provide tools for a teacher to use to design during the Explore part of the lesson. They will not be prescriptive lessons but provide several resources for teachers to use as they customize lessons to fit the needs of their students.

Teachers will be paid at curriculum rate for all PD hours.

When and Where

Dates:

May 12, June 19-22

Time:

8:30 to 3:30 daily

Location:

Stephens MS

Applications Due:

5/1/12

Teams Announced:

5/4/12

Brenda's Bits for April 19th~26th

Hi All,

Where did the week go? I'll count this week's blog as part of next week:)

Table of Contents:

DRA Information
OWP Writing Project
Camp Science

DRA INFORMATION: The testing window for non- Literacy Squared is open:
April 16th-June 13th. 
Literacy Squared Classrooms: April 30th-June1st. 
Below is the link to the District Testing Calendar.

http://167.135.98.251:8030/docs/tcEle.pdf

Please refer to the DRA2/EDL2 Testing Guidelines as they have changed this year.  The information that I have pasted below is on the "U" Drive:  24J, DRA2, K-52011-2012 DRA2-EDL2 Guidelines.  If you have any questions about Guidelines, please don't hesitate to ask.

DRA2-EDL2

Salem-Keizer Administration Guidelines & Timelines

Screening Quickly examining previous data, or administering a brief assessment,  to get a running start on classroom planning and student levels of proficiency	First of school year	·          Kindergarten teachers screen students with the required Word Analysis Tasks: 1, 3, 5, 6 and 9.  Literacy Squared classrooms screen students with the district-created Spanish WATs:  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9 and 10.  This data will be entered onto SKORES each fall beginning in the fall of 2012.  ·          Word Analysis Tasks data are recorded on the DRA2 Word Analysis Tasks Student Cumulative Student Record Form which will be forwarded to grade 1 teachers at years’ end.   ·          Grades 1-5 teachers screen by looking at previous years’ DRA2 or EDL2 data, either in the teacher data warehouse or in school-based student portfolios.
Diagnostics Individualized comprehensive assessment to pinpoint specific areas of strength and need	Anytime as needed Up to 3x annually	The full DRA2-EDL2 (and suggested WATs) may be administered to find the students’ instructional or independent level.  This is highly recommended for any student of concern (grades K-5) early in the year.  ·          Literacy2 1-5 classrooms are to ensure they fully assess using standard administration protocols for both DRA2 and EDL2 (only EDL2 if DRA2 was proctored in spring) for any new to L2 or new to our district students. ·          New to Salem-Keizer students in grades K-5 is recommended to be assessed with the DRA2 soon after arrival.  ·          New to Dual Language Programs students are assessed (with either the DRA2 or EDL2 as appropriate) soon after arrival.
Progress Monitoring Brief, less comprehensive checks on progress over time	Ongoing	·          Word Analysis Tasks (WATs) may be repeatedly administered to ascertain a students’ growing progress on targeted word level skills.  ·          The DRA2-EDL2 Progress Monitoring Assessments may be frequently administered to gauge student growth over the year but do not replace a full diagnostic evaluation.  The associated DRA2-EDL2 Growth Trajectories and Biliteracy Zones are used for analysis over time.
Summative Note:  K-4 teachers  send portfolios to the next years’ teachers including a variety of testing data, including most recent and relevant DRA2-EDL2 data such as: Word Analysis Tasks Student Cumulative Records DRA2-EDL2 Growth Trajectories Most current DRA2-EDL2 information including the completed Continuum & Focus for Instruction pages	Spring	In all grades, except Kindergarten, DRA2 and EDL2 INDEPENDENT scores are entered onto SKORES each spring.  Standard administration protocols (all parts of the DRA2 assessment are administered and the directions/scoring are the same from school to school).  Further clarification by grade is provided below: Non Literacy Squared:  ·          Kindergarten students are assessed with the DRA2.  The DRA2 level and level of proficiency (emerging, developing, and independent) are entered onto SKORES.  For kindergarten students reading below a level 3 independently, the Word Analysis Tasks (1, 3, 5, 6 and 9) are re-administered and entered onto SKORES.  If the student has previously shown control on any of the required WATs, the teacher may indicate “control” without re-administering that task.  Copies of the WATs, DRA2, EDL2 assessments and record-keeping forms are sent on to the first grade teacher.  ·          Grades1-2 students are fully assessed with the DRA2. The level at which the student reads independently is entered onto SKORES.  ·          Grades 3-5 students reading below grade level are fully DRA2 assessed (not progress monitored) in the spring using standard administration protocols and the level at which the student reads independently is entered onto SKORES. Literacy Squared: ·          Kindergarten students are assessed with the EDL2.  The EDL2 level and level of proficiency (emerging, developing, and independent) is entered onto SKORES.  Students reading at a Level 3 EDL2 independently for the first time are also administered the DRA2 and the DRA2 level and level of proficiency (emerging, developing, and independent) are also entered onto SKORES.  Students unable to read an EDL2 level 3 independently are also re-administered Spanish WATS (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10).  The WATs data is entered onto SKORES.  If the student has previously shown control on any of the required WATs, the teacher may indicate “control” without re-administering that task.  Copies of the WATs, DRA2 and EDL2 assessments and record-keeping forms are sent on to the first grade teacher.   ·          1st-5th Grades Literacy 2:  Both EDL2 and DRA2 are administered and the scores (at independent levels) are entered into SKORES.
Grade Level End of Year Benchmarks	·          Kindergarten  Independent Level 3 ·          Grade 1          Independent Level 16  ·          Grade 2          Independent Level 28		·          Grade 3          Independent Level 38 ·          Grade 4          Independent Level 40 ·          Grade 5          Independent Level 50
Biliteracy Zones	EDL Level—Spanish DRA2 Level—English A-6 A-2 8-10 3-6 12-16 8-10 18-28 12-16 30-38 18-28 40 30-38 50-60 40+
IEP Notes	Students on IEP’s (with reading-related goals) may have testing modifications written on to their IEP’s (when appropriate) for the DRA2 or EDL2.

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment,     Revised April 9, 2012

Candalaria Print is in the file cabinets in room 6.  I ordered more Levels A-20.
Lee Print is in A-6 in the file cabinets (sorry, it is not labeled)  EDL2 print is also there.
McKinley Print is in the file cabinet in the "Spanish room". 
I did not run off WAT print. Please use the Record of Responses (beginning on pg. 111 of your WAT Teacher Guide).  The reason for using these response forms is so that next years teacher can refer to them. 

I will offer a SKORES refresher "class" at each school (if needed).  I'll send out dates on a later blog.

Oregon Writing Project: A great learning opportunity!  
http://www.willamette.edu/gse/owp/

Camp Science: For students in 4th-5th grade.  Please contact me if you are interested and I can send out application forms. 

STRAUB ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMER DAY CAMP – FREE!

Teacher Info Sheet

Who:  Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center

What:  We’re providing a FREE summer day camp with goals to:

-          Provide a hands-on educational program that will increase students’ knowledge of Oregon ecosystems, natural processes and ecosystem management

-          Educate students about the many benefits and products provided by Oregon’s environment

-          Teach students about stewardship of our natural environment.

Where:  Straub Environmental Learning Center

We will meet each day of the trip at the Straub Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A. St NE (near North Salem High School and Olinger Pool). From there, we will travel to a variety of destinations to learn and explore Oregon’s outdoors! Campers meet at the Straub Center each day at 7:30am, and return to the Center by 4:00pm.

When:  July 2012

Grades 4 -5 = July 16-20, 2012 (Students entering 4^th & 5^th grade in the Fall of 2012 are eligible to attend)

Grades 6 - 8 = July 23-27, 2012 (Students entering 6^th-8^th grade in the Fall of 2012 are eligible to attend)

Please distribute the enclosed applications to interested students!!

 

Important Information:

-                     Each camp is limited to 20 students, and preference is given to students from Title I schools and/or who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Please encourage these students to apply.

-                     ALL applications require teacher evaluations, so please be sure to complete that section of the application before returning it to us.

-                     Completed applications can be delivered to us in the provided envelope. Applications for students in grades 4-5 can either be given to Bobbie Snead (email bobbie.snead@gmail.com to arrange a pick-up) or sent to Jon Yoder via in-district mail. Applications for students in grades 6-8 should be sent to Jon Yoder via in-district mail.

-                     Submitting an application does not mean students are automatically accepted into the camp. Students and their parents will be notified by phone or email if they are accepted into the camp no later than June 10, 2012. 

-                     For questions on the camp for grades 4-5, please contact Bobbie Snead at bobbie.snead@gmail.com

-                     For questions on the camp for grades 6-8, please contact Sally White at lvworms@yahoo.com

Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm Tuesday, May 15^th, 2012 to be considered.

Thank you for your help!

No written word

         nor spoken plea

Can teach our youth

               what they should be.

Nor all the books

           on all the shelves.

It's what the teachers

        are themselves.

~ Unknown

That's all folks:)

Happy Week!

~Brenda

Brenda's Bits April 9th~April 13th

Hi All,

Just a few updates:

District Writing Assessment begins next week:  April 17-April 26. 

Please remember to allow ample time for those students who may be absent. 

Information is in "Additional Information" on my blog or please feel free to contact me about any questions you might have. No I haven't seen the prompts:)

District Writing Festival:  Lee & Candalaria Teachers

I am collecting writing samples to submit, please put them in my mailbox or on my desk by April 17th.
Remember to include student's name, teacher's name and grade level. 
More information on "April 2-April 6 Blog".

Class Offered: Flyer by sign in book at Lee & Candalaria and staff room at McKinley or below

Moving Students Up Levels Of Text: Learning the Characteristics of Text Levels

Presented by Amy Tipelin and Christine Kaiser

                                               Sessions

1. Text Level Characteristics                                        April 24, 2012

2, 3. Inquiry Groups to Develop                                   May 1 & 8, 2012

        Understanding of Each Level

        And Study Prompts and SmallGroup Strategies

4. Freeze Frame Conferring                                          May 15, 2012

5. Planning for Classroom Application                           May 22, 2012

6. Vertical Articulation of Level Work                           May 29, 2012


How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world
~Anne Frank

Until next week,
Brenda

As readers move across levels of text, there are many ways the text can be challenging. In this class we will closely examine the reading skills and strategies within each Fountas and Pinnell level. We will work with resources that outline these specific skills and strategies as well as what we need to teach to move readers into the next level. We will collaboratively examine these resources and leveled texts to develop an understanding of the characteristics within each level, prompts for conferring at each level, and small group strategies that incorporate these characteristics. You will leave the class with resources and a deeper understanding of the levels within your classroom as well as ideas to move your readers forward!

Bits for April 2nd-April 6th

Welcome Back!

Hopefully we'll have a full week of school (maybe even two full weeks:).

A few "items" that are coming soon.

District Writing Festival:  Please see letter from Kathy Moran. I will be collecting writing samples and submitting them to Kathy on April 17th. Please put writing samples either in my box or on my desk (I should have a bag to put them in soon).  I need to have students names, grade level and teacher name on the sample, a sticky note will do.  I'll put the stickers on as well as get invitations send to students, parents and classroom teachers.

Dear Teachers,

The Capital Reading Council of the Oregon Reading Association and the Salem-Keizer School District are hosting the Children’s Writing Festival again this year. The Festival will be held at Parrish Middle School on Thursday May 10, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  The evening will include a presentation by an author, selected students reading their piece, as well as displays of exemplary writing from all participating schools. We are asking each elementary school to submit one exemplary writing piece from each grade, kindergarten through fifth. No class books please! During the week of April 2 your school will be receiving materials for submitting the samples as well as invitations for each student’s family, their teacher and your building principal. Please see the attached guidelines for submission of writing pieces which must be submitted by April 17, 2012 to Kathy Moran at Curriculum.

We would also encourage you to find time before the end of the year to celebrate writing within your school so that all students may be recognized. Please contact Kathy Moran, Tanya Frisendahl, or Kathy Bowers with any questions or concerns. Many thanks for helping make this festival yet another great way to celebrate great writing with our students.

We are looking for volunteers to help with the Writing Festival during the evening of May 10. If you are interested in helping please contact Kathy Moran,

Thank you!

Kathy Bowers                 bowers_Kathy@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Tanya Frisendahl             Tanya.Frisendahl@state.or.us

Kathy Moran                   moran_Kathy@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Children’s Writing Festival Chairs

Capital Reading Council

District Writing Assessment is coming soon!!!  April 17th-April 26th.  See previous blog "Additional Bits" for information. 

IXL Math:  Some schools have memberships others do not, however, if you would like to sign up you can do so for 30 days free.  Some teachers like to use this as a practice for OAKs testing as well as formative assessment information. 

www.ixl.com/

 Don't forget you also have access to Sumdog for math practice.

www.sumdog.com.

 

If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand, extraordinary things begin to happen~ Lorettta Gizartis

 

Until next week

~Brenda