Last week I spoke about not getting complacent and losing sight of our goal for student achievement. This week I would like to continue the conversation on test taking strategies and keeping focused on the needs of our students to be successful in the classroom as well as on the upcoming state assessments.
It is difficult for anyone to read, think, reread, answer questions and use test taking strategies for any lengthy amount of time. The hard it is for an individual student to do any one of these things the harder the exam will be for them. As you are aware our some of our students really struggle in the areas of reading and comprehension. We need to continue to build reading and THINKING stamina in all of our students. When we improve these skills the stamina for sitting, reading and thinking increases. The commitment lies in this and the efforts to utilize your 90 minute reading block to ensure extended time for your students to read independently. One final thought on the subject... You GOTTA Model It!
Next week I will discuss the concept of a testing vocabulary and our need to incorporate this into our daily lessons and activities.
On a nearly-political note: What are we aiming for in Oklahoma City Public Schools? Education is, and will always (as far as I can see) a moving target. Some of us continue to try and meet all students at the same time by delivering the same message, with the same expectations, and receiving the same results in return. I believe the students at Hayes, the community surrounding it, and the teachers that make up its staff deserve a better set of results. I linked a 7 minute video, below, called "This will revolutionize education." Take the time to watch the video and see if our "target" isn't clear and closer than ever before. While our target moves I would say it hasn't ever changed... Educate your students, one at a time, at different points in time, at different places and paces, AND never give up on a single student. I'll ask your thoughts on the video during Tuesday's grade level meetings.
Christmas Break is coming!!! Keep up the good work. And for anyone who is asking; I want a red rider BB gun with a compass on the stock. My mother, however, says I'll shoot my eye out.
2014 - 2015 Committees:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lrYycQKGUiU29FazU0VEVJWjQ/edit?usp=sharing
2014 - 2015 Peer Observation:
The peer observation window opened Friday September 26, 2014. I will check periodically to see how everyone is doing on their observations. Please use the link below to find out your partner.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lrYycQKGUiTHVIdDRnbUNNWnJHMElhR2xfeHNyOGVXajdF/edit?usp=sharing
Peer Observation Guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lrYycQKGUiNXVnZVA1U0Jza2s/view?usp=sharing
The peer observation window opened Friday September 26, 2014. I will check periodically to see how everyone is doing on their observations. Please use the link below to find out your partner.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lrYycQKGUiTHVIdDRnbUNNWnJHMElhR2xfeHNyOGVXajdF/edit?usp=sharing
Peer Observation Guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lrYycQKGUiNXVnZVA1U0Jza2s/view?usp=sharing
Showcase Schedule for Monthly Rise and Shine:
In order for everyone to take a more active role in the Monthly Awards I am asking that each grade level participate in the showcase portion of the Rise and Shine. Everyone on campus will have a month to show the rest of the school what's great about your classes. You can have your students sing, dance, demonstrate, share... Have fun with it!
August: P.E./Music
September: Office Staff
October: Library/Media
November: First Grade
December: Pre-Kindergarten
January: Fourth Grade
February: Kindergarten
March: Third Grade
April: P.E./Music
May: Second Grade
Oklahoma State Blueprints:
In order for everyone to take a more active role in the Monthly Awards I am asking that each grade level participate in the showcase portion of the Rise and Shine. Everyone on campus will have a month to show the rest of the school what's great about your classes. You can have your students sing, dance, demonstrate, share... Have fun with it!
November: First Grade
December: Pre-Kindergarten
January: Fourth Grade
February: Kindergarten
March: Third Grade
April: P.E./Music
May: Second Grade
Oklahoma State Blueprints:
Available accommodations for the OCCT:
A quick guide to standards and assessments:
- English Language Arts: 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school year – PASS standards, PASS-aligned assessments.
- Mathematics: 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years – PASS standards, PASS-aligned assessments.
- Science: 2014-2015 school year – begin transition to science standards adopted into rule in June 2014; PASS-aligned assessments for grades 5, 8, and Biology 1 for high school for 2014-2105 and 2015-2016 school years.
- Social Studies: 2014-2015 school year – Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies as adopted in 2012; All four social studies assessments are OAS-aligned in Grades 5, 7, and 8, as well as high school U.S. History. All four assessments will be fully operational in 2014-2015.
- Fine Arts: 2014-2015 school year – transition to new standards adopted by law in June of 2014, The annual district arts assessment report will be due at the Oklahoma State Department of Education the end of May 2015.
- World Languages: 2014-15 school year – PASS standards, no state assessment. New standards will be written beginning fall 2014.
- Personal Financial Literacy: 2014-2015 school year – Oklahoma Academic Standards for Personal Financial Literacy as adopted in 2008, no state assessment.
- Health/Safety Education: 2014-2015 school year – PASS Standards, no state assessment.
- Kindergarten: 2014-2015 school year – PASS standards, no state assessments.
- PreKindergarten: 2014-2015 PASS standards; no state assessments.
Hayes Elementary Academic goals for 2014-2015:
- All students WILL achieve academically.
- Increase OCCT Reading scores for all subgroups by 25%
- Increase OCCT Mathematics scores for all subgroups by 25%
- Increase OCCT Writing scores for all subgroups by 25%
- Increase the number of students who qualify for promotion in RSA by 25%
- Decrease Suspensions by 25%
- School wide overall attendance to 96%
- Faculty attendance to 98%
Videos Worth Watching:
RSA Shorts - The Power of Empathy
They Are Watching - @stumpteacher
This Will Revolutionize Education
Articles Worth Reading:
10 ways to calm a class after lunch or recess - via @AngelaWatson
Questions for student retention advocates - via @mcleod
Brookings: Father's Education Influences Child's Ed Attainment - via @EdNewsorg
Schools, Race And Integration: Complaint Says Charter Schools Are Resegregating Public Education - via @ibtimes
What do kids want in books? New research revealed - via @ScholasticTeach
Have You Seen Yourself Teach Lately? - via @TeachThought
Stop Ignoring Google + - via @E_Sheninger
Dog owners will understand
The Curriculum Wars: What All Children Should Learn - via @educationweek
Listening - via @casas_jimmy
What Maslow's Hierarchy Won't Tell You About Motivation - via @HarvardBiz
Weekly Look Ahead:
Monday December 8, 2014 - Unannounced Observation cycle continues through Friday the 12th. Peer Observations continue through Friday. After school tutorials from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. Reading Buddies. Everyday Math training for our Mathematics staff members. THIS WILL BE A DIFFERENT KIND OF DAY. STAY FLEXIBLE!
Tuesday December 9, 2014 - Normal school day, grade level meetings during planning (We will meet in your rooms). After school meeting for those individuals who have not completed and turned in their safety certificates to Ms. Shue. Those who are up to speed are excused from attending. 2 IEP meetings; 10:00AM and 2:30pm
Wednesday December 10, 2014 - Normal school day. OKC Reading Buddies Ross to his book study @ 2:00pm.
Thursday December 11, 2014 - Normal school day. After school tutorials from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. OKC Reading Buddies. IEP meeting; 8:30am - 2:00pm/6:00pm 5th/6th Grade Musical in the cafeteria
Friday December 12, 2014 - Spirit Day! Rally Ball competition @ OCCT - Honor Choir to Retirement Homes - The last Friday with students until January 9th.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 16th: The office staff would like for everyone to bring a desert, preferably home made, to share with the entire staff during their planning times. There will be a sign up sheet in the office. We hope everyone will participate in the activity. We will set up in the office so that everyone has an opportunity to partake in the goodies.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 16th: The office staff would like for everyone to bring a desert, preferably home made, to share with the entire staff during their planning times. There will be a sign up sheet in the office. We hope everyone will participate in the activity. We will set up in the office so that everyone has an opportunity to partake in the goodies.
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