Tosa Tribune January 09

TOSA Tribune Intermediate Edition January 2009 Volume 3*Issue 5

3rd and 4th Grade Teachers Investigations Workshop

In this issue: Investigations Information Guess the Covered Word Verb M.A.P. Testing and Dieting Revised M.A.P. Checklist

Investigations: Call for Presenters Do you remember the 5 a.m. bus ride to Kansas City for Investigations Training? I have good news for you! Investigations is bringing the training to US! (Although the bus ride was a fun bonding experience!)

Since we ordered new Investigations, Pearson/Scott Foresman will offer training on the NEW Investigations in NIXA on

Monday, January 26th from 4-7 p.m. in Annex C. RSVP to: [email protected] Pizza or sub sandwiches will be provided.

Nixa has the opportunity to HOST the Midwest Investigations Conference this summer, but we need YOU to make it happen. Tentative date for conference: July 15, 2009 There will be a half-day ‘Train-theTrainers’ session on Thursday, February 5 … subs will be provided. E-mail interest to: [email protected]

Guess the Covered Word It’s a Phonics Lesson and so much more … One of the largest obstacles on the Communication Arts M.A.P. Test is the fact that students have to READ the test on their own. Guess the Covered Word is ONE way to reinforce phonics in the classroom, and it’s fun! GLES: R1C: Develop and apply decoding strategies to problem-solve unknown words when reading. R1E: Develop vocabulary through text using context clues. R1G: During reading, develop and utilize strategies to selfquestion and correct. W2D: Use parts of speech correctly in written text. Consider consistently covering a certain part of speech, say verbs. You can easily tie a parts of speech mini-lesson into Guess the Covered Word Verb. 

Lessons/Directions can be accessed at: http://cherylsclassroomtipsdi.blogspot.com/2008/ 12/guess-covered-word-lessons.html

Create your own lessons in PowerPoint by using colored text boxes and custom exit animation. Smart Notebook works too. You can simply cover and drag. Wow! This is Guess the Covered Word for Character Development! I have to teach that too!

M.A.P. Testing Article 2009 New Year’s Resolution Eat Right and Exercise How Hard Can It Be?

Preparing students for the M.A.P. test is like diet and exercise. I love watching The Biggest Loser. Sometimes contestants weigh in and see huge accomplishments and other weeks they work and work only to maintain or even gain weight. “The Scale” makes them apprehensive even though they’ve done everything in their power to achieve desired results. The amount of work involved for the week doesn’t change, simply the fruits of their labor. At the last weigh in, they all win … but do they keep the weight off?

Isn’t that a lot like teaching? We consistently ‘weigh in,’ and some years we have big gains, other years small ones, but in the end … we are making our goals and standing tall in the education community. We have achieved SEVEN years of Accredited with Distinction in Performance! SEVEN years … that’s amazing! AND … it’s because of teachers like you. Thank you for hanging in there … keeping students first … and pressing on toward the goal. M.A.P. is closing in on us, but we’ll be ready. The early preparation will hopefully alleviate some of the stress … and when we ‘weigh-in,’ the results will be worth it!

January M.A.P. Checklist _____

I celebrate successes with my students. Success leads to more success.

_____

I continue to build relationships with my students and the parents of my students.

_____

I gave the Benchmarks COLD … with no review beforehand.

_____

I reviewed and allowed students to correct errors on the Benchmark Tests.

_____

I gathered data from the Benchmarks and have a plan of action to better prepare for M.A.P.

_____

I press on toward the goal … even though some days it’s harder than others.

______ I teach and assess the written curriculum AND align my teaching with the scope and sequence. _____

I use different levels of questioning in my lessons … higher level thinking is evident. (I know where my Depth of Knowledge Wheel is and use it.)

_____

I use the glossary of terms provided from D.E.S.E. for math, communication arts and science.

_____

I use the Math GLE examples for review AND do weekly cumulative assessments over similar items for retention.

_____

I USE the Communication Arts Interpretations Document and require my students to give TWO details from the text on constructed response items.

______ I have taught R2C, R3C and R1H so much I often dream about it in my sleep! ______ I do my best to make my lessons (that are aligned to the GLEs) FUN! _______ As I’m reviewing with my students, I remember to Drill and Thrill … not to Drill and Kill.

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~Sir James M. Barrie British Writer