The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee met on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Topics covered were:
It was decided that each building will receive a presentation from members of the committee using Keynote, to be developed by Kristin Shell, as the common information. Kristin has prepared a Keynote presentation with members input. The committee presentation will use this as the common information and insert specific grade level activities for use within the building.
It was decided to obtain Courtney Gordon as the speaker for the Institute on August 27th as a writing kick-off. Meredith contacted Brady Smekens to confirm the date and get the process of securing Courtney for the Institute.
It was decided that individuals should take advantage of the Scholastic Warehouse sale to purchase books from the lists generated for use with 6+1 writing. Each building shared what process they were using to gather information and organizing within their building. This is a continuing process.
It was decided to see how the presentations go on the 6th of March and to consider using the same type of information with the presentation to the Board of Education. More will be finalized at a future meeting.
Kim McShea and Meredith Holdman shared feedback on the recent writing workshop they attended. Future meeting dates were set for: March 24, 2009 and April 21, 2009 at 3:30 PM.
Mathematics
The Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. The following topics were discussed:
Teachers Rhonda Esposito and Amy Steffgen shared information on how they are using the MAP results within their classroom this year. The committee was able to see results, RIT scores, and skill sets. Overall the MAP sharing was well received by the committee and appears to be the way to go with future assessment options for Math. It was thought that the results would be useful.
The Mastery Skills document, which can also be edited on Google Docs, was discussed. The goal is to be sure we have identified skills and have a progression of skills as a child moves through the grades within our district. Once we have identified the skills we can move toward identifying overlap and skill gaps. Committee members will be reviewing the document and make the necessary adjustments.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
Reading
The Reading Committee met on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Topics covered were:
Committee members from each building shared their DIBELS Benchmark triangles and discussed the comparison between the fall and winter scores. The committee then discussed how the data is being used to direct reading instruction.
Committee members discussed the status of phonics instruction in the District. Mark DeLay teachers gave an update on their Leading to Reading program and Lace members shared information about the Words Their Way program taught in third grade. The Committee recommended the purchase of the Jolly Phonics program to be used in Kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year.
Dr. Carlo asked the Reading Committee to recommend if District 61 schools will use Accelerated Reader next year. The District currently uses a desktop version of Accelerated Reader which is no longer supported by the company. The newer version is web-based and offers many advanced features. The cost to implement the new version will be approximately $3000.00 per building per year.
The Committee reviewed and updated the District’s Literacy Assessment Overview.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This month I am again including a short update from the Principals on RtI.
Mark Delay School
Grade level data meetings produced interesting discussions about curriculum, programming, and individual student progress. Kindergarten has decided to fully implement Jolly Phonics to strengthen the phonemic awareness after studying the ISEL and DIBELS results, which indicated strong growth in letter naming and letter sounds but less growth in this area of early literacy.
Students involved in the Poetry Academy Program (2nd grade) showed strong growth in fluency, indicating that this intervention is having the desired effect.
The first grade team will be analyzing the results of the Winter Map Testing, completed February 20th. The March SIP meetings will be devoted to discussions and demonstrations on Writer’s Workshop and 6 Traits.
Lace School
Betty Faron and Kim Schultz (Reading Specialists) met with every classroom teacher to determine how they can help them with reading instruction. In the past, the reading specialists have covered general topics to improve reading instruction. This year they organized a survey to determine how they could customize a program to meet the needs of individual teachers. For example, if a teacher needs assistance with guided reading, one of the reading specialists will go into the classroom and model a lesson. In addition, they will discuss the available resources (i.e.: leveled library, reading A-Z website) which are available to specific teachers.
The reading specialists and other classroom teachers also presented an inservice on three different reading strategies earlier during the 2008/2009 school year.
Eisenhower Junior High School
The RtI team is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 11, 2009. One of the topics they will be discussing is content area vocabulary and its role in student learning.
Assessment
February was busy for assessment as the second round of MAP testing was conducted in in grades one, three, and six. In addition, 2nd and 5th grade students completed the CogAT test. Second graders also were administered the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The results have been/will be used within the buildings, shared with the parents, and one element toward gifted qualification.
Students taking ISAT have completed the first week of testing this past week.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27, 2009 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee met on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Topics covered were:
Committee members provided an update on the progress with developing of lessons related to the writing traits. This will be a continuing task as we gather information and develop lessons and gather resources to address the different
traits.
Plans are being developed to share with the entire staff information on writing workshop and 6+1 trait writing. Topics to be shared include a general introduction, definition of traits, and how the traits look in the classroom. Resources are listed on the Curriculum Blog website.
Two writing DVDs have been created and are being shared at Lace and DeLay school as a way to let teachers see others teaching writing. EJH is working on making their DVD to share. Jen Reyes and Kristen Shell have put together the two currently being shared in their buildings.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
Mathematics
The Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. The following topics were discussed:
Individuals began to share feedback on the curriculum maps in relation to skills, mastery, overlap, and assessment. Further discussion will continue on this topic.
The committee discussed the current Criteria Based Assessment being used in math this year. They will be looking at the use of MAP testing as a universal screener for future use.
An idea of creating weekly review questions in math was shared and received positively by the committee. Committee members will bring samples of how this concept can be used in their individual buildings.
The committee is working under the Curriculum Cycle timeline of a recommendation in January/February of 2010 for math instruction.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2009.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This month I am again including a short update from the Principals on RtI.
Mark Delay School
Data meetings to review the results of winter benchmarking have been scheduled for the weeks of January 26th and February 2nd. Grade level teachers are being divided in half for the upcoming data meetings to keep the scope narrower and allow more time for discussion. Members of the RtI building team are currently converting recent data into triangular graphs so that teachers can easily identify the percentage of students from their class in each tier.
The recent SIP day was devoted to continued training of guided reading and a review of accessing student data. The RtI component to the CRT Program, in place at EJH and Lace, has been added for Mark DeLay students and appropriate staff will be trained on how to enter information on interventions being used.
Lace School
A self-contained fifth grade class was instituted to address the academic needs of specific regular education students and increase the academic time that targeted students receive ELL instruction. In the past, fifth grade students who needed a large amount of individual instruction were heterogeneously grouped with other students who were at a higher academic level. This grouping system made it more difficult for the teacher to meet the needs of both sets of students. In addition, the instructional delivery system for ELL students was revamped during the 2008/2009 school year. In the past, all ELL students were pulled from regular education classes for the same number of minutes of instruction without examining the specific needs of individual students. The new delivery system allows the ELL teachers to spend more time with students who required additional attention.
Eisenhower Junior High School
The RTI Committee came up with a unified EJH definition of RTI which it plans on sharing with the school at the next staff meeting. The staff was surveyed using Survey Anywhere to get their positive reactions and challenges to RTI this year.
At the last SIP day the staff was divided into two groups and were led by RTI Committee people to brainstorm on the topics of Differentiation and Student Motivation. Halfway through they flipped groups. All information from those sessions is in the process of being typed and sent to the staff as a whole to use as a resource. The administration will use the information to make positive change for the upcoming year when possible.
The next step is to work on a resource that can be used by current teachers for RTI information, strategies, and ideas, but can also be used as a training guide to the many new teachers entering our district year after year.
Assessment
The second round of MAP testing will be conducted in February in grades one, three, and six. In addition, 2nd and 5th grade students will be taking the CogAT test in February. Second grades will also be administered the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in February.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee met on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Topics covered were:
Committee members provided an update on the progress with developing of lessons related to the writing traits. This will be a continuing task as we gather information and develop lessons and gather resources to address the different
traits.
Plans are being developed to share with the entire staff information on writing workshop and 6+1 trait writing. Topics to be shared include a general introduction, definition of traits, and how the traits look in the classroom. Resources are listed on the Curriculum Blog website.
Two writing DVDs have been created and are being shared at Lace and DeLay school as a way to let teachers see others teaching writing. EJH is working on making their DVD to share. Jen Reyes and Kristen Shell have put together the two currently being shared in their buildings.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
Mathematics
The Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. The following topics were discussed:
Individuals began to share feedback on the curriculum maps in relation to skills, mastery, overlap, and assessment. Further discussion will continue on this topic.
The committee discussed the current Criteria Based Assessment being used in math this year. They will be looking at the use of MAP testing as a universal screener for future use.
An idea of creating weekly review questions in math was shared and received positively by the committee. Committee members will bring samples of how this concept can be used in their individual buildings.
The committee is working under the Curriculum Cycle timeline of a recommendation in January/February of 2010 for math instruction.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 2009.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This month I am again including a short update from the Principals on RtI.
Mark Delay School
Data meetings to review the results of winter benchmarking have been scheduled for the weeks of January 26th and February 2nd. Grade level teachers are being divided in half for the upcoming data meetings to keep the scope narrower and allow more time for discussion. Members of the RtI building team are currently converting recent data into triangular graphs so that teachers can easily identify the percentage of students from their class in each tier.
The recent SIP day was devoted to continued training of guided reading and a review of accessing student data. The RtI component to the CRT Program, in place at EJH and Lace, has been added for Mark DeLay students and appropriate staff will be trained on how to enter information on interventions being used.
Lace School
A self-contained fifth grade class was instituted to address the academic needs of specific regular education students and increase the academic time that targeted students receive ELL instruction. In the past, fifth grade students who needed a large amount of individual instruction were heterogeneously grouped with other students who were at a higher academic level. This grouping system made it more difficult for the teacher to meet the needs of both sets of students. In addition, the instructional delivery system for ELL students was revamped during the 2008/2009 school year. In the past, all ELL students were pulled from regular education classes for the same number of minutes of instruction without examining the specific needs of individual students. The new delivery system allows the ELL teachers to spend more time with students who required additional attention.
Eisenhower Junior High School
The RTI Committee came up with a unified EJH definition of RTI which it plans on sharing with the school at the next staff meeting. The staff was surveyed using Survey Anywhere to get their positive reactions and challenges to RTI this year.
At the last SIP day the staff was divided into two groups and were led by RTI Committee people to brainstorm on the topics of Differentiation and Student Motivation. Halfway through they flipped groups. All information from those sessions is in the process of being typed and sent to the staff as a whole to use as a resource. The administration will use the information to make positive change for the upcoming year when possible.
The next step is to work on a resource that can be used by current teachers for RTI information, strategies, and ideas, but can also be used as a training guide to the many new teachers entering our district year after year.
Assessment
The second round of MAP testing will be conducted in February in grades one, three, and six. In addition, 2nd and 5th grade students will be taking the CogAT test in February. Second grades will also be administered the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in February.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 25, 2008 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee met on Tuesday, November 18th. The following projects will be created as they continue to work on the writing curriculum:
Committee members will be creating a video on teaching writing. This will serve as a way to help show others how Writer’s Workshop and 6 traits can be used in the classroom. Additionally, committee members will be working on developing lessons for the traits and generating a list of books for the traits. They will need develop how this will be organized to share with staff.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2008.
Mathematics
The Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, November 11th. The following topics were discussed:
Committee members continued the process of creating the Mastery Skills chart and tied the skills to the State Standards. We will continue to review the skills and address gaps which may be identified as we continue the review process. They were encouraged to share the information in their buildings and bring feedback back to the next meeting. Upcoming topics will focus on feedback on current curriculum, filling in the skills gap, and assessment options.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2008.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Building staffs continue to work on their developed plans. The District RtI plan will summarize the goals for the district for the 2009-10 school year. This plan will be presented to the Board of Education on December 9th for approval. Once approved the plan will be electronically submitted to the State Board of Education. We anticipate, once received, that the State will provide feedback and further guidance on additional information they would need from the plan.
This month I am including a short update from the Principals on RtI.
Mark DeLay School
Analysis of individual student scores led to the formation of literacy groups at all grade levels, the assignment of ELL students to either two hour or one hour pull out instruction, based on need, and the placement of certain non-IEP students into Resource led interventions, such as Reading Mastery (Tier 3), as we progress monitor their academic growth. A small group of 2nd grade students have also been identified as low in phonemic awareness are now meeting before school several times a week with Jane Moss. Another group of 2nd grade students have been selected to work weekly with senior volunteers in a program entitled Poetry Academy in order to increase reading fluency.
Lace School
The Lace Staff decided to focus on the area of reading during the 2008/2009 school year. Teachers have been looking at the core curriculum and the District # 61 Reading Plan as the guidelines to meet the needs of our students. We have also examined the need to provide additional instructional time for those students who struggle with reading comprehension and fluency. This has resulted in some fruitful discussions about how to provide this additional time without short changing the students in other areas of learning.
One of the programs that we have been developed, and will be implemented beginning the week of November 17, 2008, is a reading assistance program. This program will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school or for two hours on Saturday morning. Teachers recommended specific students who would benefit from this program based on assessment scores and classroom performance. The assessment scores used were 2008 ISAT (4th/5th) and Iowa Basic Skills results (3rd).
Eisenhower Junior High School
We adjusted our skills classes to align with RTI to increase the effectiveness of these classes which have already proven to be a great tool for improvement in student achievement. The teacher of the 7th and 8th grade reading and math plus classes, does all of the lesson planning with the student's regular reading and math teachers. The schedules of the students that were placed in these classes at the beginning of the year were also assigned a specific teacher so that the skills teacher would only have to plan with one teacher per department and grade level.
The beliefs that RTI is not a special ed. initiative, that all students have the right to interventions and strategies that differentiate for their ability level, and that data collection and recording was essential to diagnose and help all students was emphasized to the staff as a whole and once again in grade level teams.
Assessment
The November 4th MAP training sessions went very well. Teachers and staff were very positive about the training and the potential of the assessment. The Fall assessments were given to the students in grades 1, 3, and 6 during the weeks of November 10th and 17th.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee met on Tuesday, November 18th. The following projects will be created as they continue to work on the writing curriculum:
Committee members will be creating a video on teaching writing. This will serve as a way to help show others how Writer’s Workshop and 6 traits can be used in the classroom. Additionally, committee members will be working on developing lessons for the traits and generating a list of books for the traits. They will need develop how this will be organized to share with staff.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2008.
Mathematics
The Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, November 11th. The following topics were discussed:
Committee members continued the process of creating the Mastery Skills chart and tied the skills to the State Standards. We will continue to review the skills and address gaps which may be identified as we continue the review process. They were encouraged to share the information in their buildings and bring feedback back to the next meeting. Upcoming topics will focus on feedback on current curriculum, filling in the skills gap, and assessment options.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2008.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Building staffs continue to work on their developed plans. The District RtI plan will summarize the goals for the district for the 2009-10 school year. This plan will be presented to the Board of Education on December 9th for approval. Once approved the plan will be electronically submitted to the State Board of Education. We anticipate, once received, that the State will provide feedback and further guidance on additional information they would need from the plan.
This month I am including a short update from the Principals on RtI.
Mark DeLay School
Analysis of individual student scores led to the formation of literacy groups at all grade levels, the assignment of ELL students to either two hour or one hour pull out instruction, based on need, and the placement of certain non-IEP students into Resource led interventions, such as Reading Mastery (Tier 3), as we progress monitor their academic growth. A small group of 2nd grade students have also been identified as low in phonemic awareness are now meeting before school several times a week with Jane Moss. Another group of 2nd grade students have been selected to work weekly with senior volunteers in a program entitled Poetry Academy in order to increase reading fluency.
Lace School
The Lace Staff decided to focus on the area of reading during the 2008/2009 school year. Teachers have been looking at the core curriculum and the District # 61 Reading Plan as the guidelines to meet the needs of our students. We have also examined the need to provide additional instructional time for those students who struggle with reading comprehension and fluency. This has resulted in some fruitful discussions about how to provide this additional time without short changing the students in other areas of learning.
One of the programs that we have been developed, and will be implemented beginning the week of November 17, 2008, is a reading assistance program. This program will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school or for two hours on Saturday morning. Teachers recommended specific students who would benefit from this program based on assessment scores and classroom performance. The assessment scores used were 2008 ISAT (4th/5th) and Iowa Basic Skills results (3rd).
Eisenhower Junior High School
We adjusted our skills classes to align with RTI to increase the effectiveness of these classes which have already proven to be a great tool for improvement in student achievement. The teacher of the 7th and 8th grade reading and math plus classes, does all of the lesson planning with the student's regular reading and math teachers. The schedules of the students that were placed in these classes at the beginning of the year were also assigned a specific teacher so that the skills teacher would only have to plan with one teacher per department and grade level.
The beliefs that RTI is not a special ed. initiative, that all students have the right to interventions and strategies that differentiate for their ability level, and that data collection and recording was essential to diagnose and help all students was emphasized to the staff as a whole and once again in grade level teams.
Assessment
The November 4th MAP training sessions went very well. Teachers and staff were very positive about the training and the potential of the assessment. The Fall assessments were given to the students in grades 1, 3, and 6 during the weeks of November 10th and 17th.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 28, 2008 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The first meeting of the Writing Committee was held on Tuesday, September 30th. The following tasks have been identified:
1. Follow up from Summer Workshop: Getting the word out: The following timeline for gathering resources for the traits was developed: October: Ideas and Organization; November: Voice; December: Word Choice; January: Sentence Fluency and Conventions. In addition the Six Traits of Writing Handout was shared with the committee for use in each building. The resource book from the workshop will be used for each trait.
2. "Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide"/Observation Schedule: Committee members will be working with their building (staff and administration) to be sure everyone has read the book. It is felt that this will help in understanding how the two ideas (writing workshop and six traits) fit together. Teacher observation of teachers using Writer’s Workshop should be planned in each building.
3. Graphic Organizers: This items was not discussed, but EJH does have some they are using.
4. Future Direction: District #61 teaches writing through Writer’s Workshop using the Language of Six Traits.
5. Other items : The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. Items for next meeting: Updates on the Resources they have gathered and Plans/suggestions for Possible summer curriculum work.
Mathematics
The first Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, October 7th. We shared feedback on the summer information and comments can be summarized as follows:
The curriculum cycle was review and the following tasks are being worked on for the next meeting:
1. Review current curriculum document to see if we are doing what it says: (what adjustments need to be made at next meeting)
2. Identify 3-5 skills, at each grade level, that students should have mastery in by the end of the school year. Enter data on-line
3. Reformat the curriculum based on ISAT skills (to be done in future)
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Building staffs have updated the Planned Improvement goals from 2007-08 and the goals for the current school year have/will be posted on the district website.
Assessment
We continue to move forward on the implementation of MAP testing for students in grades one, three, and six. Teachers of these grade levels will be receiving training on MAP testing during the November 4th Institute.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The first meeting of the Writing Committee was held on Tuesday, September 30th. The following tasks have been identified:
1. Follow up from Summer Workshop: Getting the word out: The following timeline for gathering resources for the traits was developed: October: Ideas and Organization; November: Voice; December: Word Choice; January: Sentence Fluency and Conventions. In addition the Six Traits of Writing Handout was shared with the committee for use in each building. The resource book from the workshop will be used for each trait.
2. "Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide"/Observation Schedule: Committee members will be working with their building (staff and administration) to be sure everyone has read the book. It is felt that this will help in understanding how the two ideas (writing workshop and six traits) fit together. Teacher observation of teachers using Writer’s Workshop should be planned in each building.
3. Graphic Organizers: This items was not discussed, but EJH does have some they are using.
4. Future Direction: District #61 teaches writing through Writer’s Workshop using the Language of Six Traits.
5. Other items : The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. Items for next meeting: Updates on the Resources they have gathered and Plans/suggestions for Possible summer curriculum work.
Mathematics
The first Math Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, October 7th. We shared feedback on the summer information and comments can be summarized as follows:
We are challenged by the reality (ways to best teach mathematics and what to teach) and ISAT (how we are judged on mathematics in Illinois).
Other topics included: fluency with basic facts; number sense; additional practice for skills and what skills; what is mastery in mathematics; how do we keep parents informed as sometimes it is different from how math has been taught.
What are the skills, according to research on the Brain, that children are able to process-Is this something we should be looking at as we look at Math instruction and skill development?
Currently our math scores are consistent and fairly strong.
The curriculum cycle was review and the following tasks are being worked on for the next meeting:
1. Review current curriculum document to see if we are doing what it says: (what adjustments need to be made at next meeting)
2. Identify 3-5 skills, at each grade level, that students should have mastery in by the end of the school year. Enter data on-line
3. Reformat the curriculum based on ISAT skills (to be done in future)
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Building staffs have updated the Planned Improvement goals from 2007-08 and the goals for the current school year have/will be posted on the district website.
Assessment
We continue to move forward on the implementation of MAP testing for students in grades one, three, and six. Teachers of these grade levels will be receiving training on MAP testing during the November 4th Institute.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September 30, 2008 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The first meeting of the Writing Committee this year will be on Tuesday, September 30th. The following agenda items will be discussed:
1. Follow up from Summer Workshop: Getting the word out
2. "Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide"/Observation Schedule
3. Graphic Organizers
4. Future Direction
5. Other items
Mathematics
The first Math Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7th. Prior to this meeting the members have been asked to review the materials that they received prior to the end of last year. They have been asked to bring ideas and suggestions as the review cycle for mathematics begins.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Leadership teams continue to meet in each building. Building staffs are updating the Planned Improvement goals from 2007-08 and developing the goals for the current school year. These are scheduled to be posted on the website by the end of October.
Assessment
We continue to move forward on the implementation of MAP testing for students in grades one, three, and six. Bob Hotton is beginning to work on the background set up of the program with our current servers. We are expecting to roll out the program at the identified grade levels in November. More information will be coming as we continue to move forward. The revised Assessment Overview is posted on the Darien #61 website.
The Local Assessment database is being shared with individual buildings and modifications are being made to the database and CRT to meet individual needs for getting student data.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The first meeting of the Writing Committee this year will be on Tuesday, September 30th. The following agenda items will be discussed:
1. Follow up from Summer Workshop: Getting the word out
2. "Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide"/Observation Schedule
3. Graphic Organizers
4. Future Direction
5. Other items
Mathematics
The first Math Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7th. Prior to this meeting the members have been asked to review the materials that they received prior to the end of last year. They have been asked to bring ideas and suggestions as the review cycle for mathematics begins.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Leadership teams continue to meet in each building. Building staffs are updating the Planned Improvement goals from 2007-08 and developing the goals for the current school year. These are scheduled to be posted on the website by the end of October.
Assessment
We continue to move forward on the implementation of MAP testing for students in grades one, three, and six. Bob Hotton is beginning to work on the background set up of the program with our current servers. We are expecting to roll out the program at the identified grade levels in November. More information will be coming as we continue to move forward. The revised Assessment Overview is posted on the Darien #61 website.
The Local Assessment database is being shared with individual buildings and modifications are being made to the database and CRT to meet individual needs for getting student data.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
August 26, 2008 Update
Welcome back to this year's Curriculum and Assessment Update. This first update provides you with the information we will be presenting to the staff during the Opening Institute on August 28, 2008.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The goal of District #61 is to understand that writing is a complex process that evolves from thought and oral forms to written language. The process is more than practicing isolated skills and reflects a student's personal interpretation and voice. The process of writing is recursive and includes many steps.
It is the belief of District 61 that this process can improve student writing through the evaluation of results; developing a common vocabulary; incorporation of the Illinois Writing Framework; and use of peer editing. Grammar is necessary for quality writing and most relevant when developed in the context of writing.
The writing document has aligned what is currently being done with instruction in District # 61 at all grade levels. It has been complied by the writing committee based on gathering information from all staff members. The committee continues to work on developing common vocabulary for all students as they continue with their writing education.
Members of the Writing Committee are:
Janet Boslett, Bonnie Bucholz, Ann Centers, Gerry Dulkoski, Meredith Holdman, Jorie Kaspar, Marian Krupicka, Michelle Ktistou, Kristie Lupella, Melissa McGannon, Kim McShea, Kristin Shell, and Jen Reyes.
For the 2008-09 School Year:
1. A team of six teachers (Meredith Holdman, Jen Reyes, Janet Boslett, Kristen Shell, Bonnie Bucholz, and Veronica Heggie) attended a workshop: Using the Six-Trait Scoring Guide as a Teaching Tool. This workshop was held on August 7th and 8th in conjunction with Maercker District #60 and Gower District #62. The response from those in attendance was very positive. We will be planning ways for the information to be shared in each building.
2. Each Grade level was to have saved one piece of common writing which we will be able to be used for future common scoring sometime this year.
3. A document has been created that will be used to tie what we are using in relation to 6+1 traits' vocabulary. Each grade level will complete the chart for each area of writing.
4. We are asking that teachers read “Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide” this year. This book gives an overview of Writer's Workshop and will serve as a way to give everyone a common frame of reference of the writing process. Copies of the book are available in the District Office.
5. To further teachers’ experience with writing the committee has recommended time for teachers teaching Writer's Workshop to have others wanting to see writing in action get into those classrooms. This will be a process for 08-09 and will be an expectation for all teachers.
6. Graphic Organizers are currently being used and developed at EJH. EJH will be sharing the organizers they have developed with the committee for modification and use by other grades.
Mathematics
The Math Committee will continue the review cycle as the year begins. They had materials to review this summer to provide a common set of information to all members. More information will be coming from the committee as they meet. We will be starting by looking at what we are currently doing in math and how that aligns with what is best for our students, the current research on best practices, and the State of Illinois Standards.
Members of the committee are:
DeLay School: Julie Vallo, Rhonda Esposito, Donna Adams
Lace School: Marion Nyhoff, Kathy Atwood, Carol Kinder
Eisenhower Junior High: Amy Mordaunt, Julia Polasek, Amy Steffgen
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This summer RtI teams in each building have met and developed plans for the upcoming school year. These committees are working to meet the needs within their building and will develop goals for the school year. Minutes for meetings are being kept for future reference. More information will be coming as the committees meet.
Assessment
Within District #61 we are looking at what we are currently using for assessment and what may need to be revisited. On July 16, 2008, representatives from various assessment companies presented information to a group of teachers and administrators. Presentations were given on Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP), Study Island, and AIMSweb. Feedback was provided from participants on the presentations and adjustments were made to the current assessment. We have developed a plan for district implementation and the revised Assessment Overview will be posted on the website in the future.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The goal of District #61 is to understand that writing is a complex process that evolves from thought and oral forms to written language. The process is more than practicing isolated skills and reflects a student's personal interpretation and voice. The process of writing is recursive and includes many steps.
It is the belief of District 61 that this process can improve student writing through the evaluation of results; developing a common vocabulary; incorporation of the Illinois Writing Framework; and use of peer editing. Grammar is necessary for quality writing and most relevant when developed in the context of writing.
The writing document has aligned what is currently being done with instruction in District # 61 at all grade levels. It has been complied by the writing committee based on gathering information from all staff members. The committee continues to work on developing common vocabulary for all students as they continue with their writing education.
Members of the Writing Committee are:
Janet Boslett, Bonnie Bucholz, Ann Centers, Gerry Dulkoski, Meredith Holdman, Jorie Kaspar, Marian Krupicka, Michelle Ktistou, Kristie Lupella, Melissa McGannon, Kim McShea, Kristin Shell, and Jen Reyes.
For the 2008-09 School Year:
1. A team of six teachers (Meredith Holdman, Jen Reyes, Janet Boslett, Kristen Shell, Bonnie Bucholz, and Veronica Heggie) attended a workshop: Using the Six-Trait Scoring Guide as a Teaching Tool. This workshop was held on August 7th and 8th in conjunction with Maercker District #60 and Gower District #62. The response from those in attendance was very positive. We will be planning ways for the information to be shared in each building.
2. Each Grade level was to have saved one piece of common writing which we will be able to be used for future common scoring sometime this year.
3. A document has been created that will be used to tie what we are using in relation to 6+1 traits' vocabulary. Each grade level will complete the chart for each area of writing.
4. We are asking that teachers read “Writing Workshop-The Essential Guide” this year. This book gives an overview of Writer's Workshop and will serve as a way to give everyone a common frame of reference of the writing process. Copies of the book are available in the District Office.
5. To further teachers’ experience with writing the committee has recommended time for teachers teaching Writer's Workshop to have others wanting to see writing in action get into those classrooms. This will be a process for 08-09 and will be an expectation for all teachers.
6. Graphic Organizers are currently being used and developed at EJH. EJH will be sharing the organizers they have developed with the committee for modification and use by other grades.
Mathematics
The Math Committee will continue the review cycle as the year begins. They had materials to review this summer to provide a common set of information to all members. More information will be coming from the committee as they meet. We will be starting by looking at what we are currently doing in math and how that aligns with what is best for our students, the current research on best practices, and the State of Illinois Standards.
Members of the committee are:
DeLay School: Julie Vallo, Rhonda Esposito, Donna Adams
Lace School: Marion Nyhoff, Kathy Atwood, Carol Kinder
Eisenhower Junior High: Amy Mordaunt, Julia Polasek, Amy Steffgen
Response to Intervention (RtI)
This summer RtI teams in each building have met and developed plans for the upcoming school year. These committees are working to meet the needs within their building and will develop goals for the school year. Minutes for meetings are being kept for future reference. More information will be coming as the committees meet.
Assessment
Within District #61 we are looking at what we are currently using for assessment and what may need to be revisited. On July 16, 2008, representatives from various assessment companies presented information to a group of teachers and administrators. Presentations were given on Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP), Study Island, and AIMSweb. Feedback was provided from participants on the presentations and adjustments were made to the current assessment. We have developed a plan for district implementation and the revised Assessment Overview will be posted on the website in the future.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
June 24, 2008 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
1. A team of six teacher (Meredith Holdman, Jen Reyes, Janet Boslett, Kristen Shell, Bonnie Bucholz, and Veronica Heggie) will be attending a workshop: Using the Six-Trait Scoring Guide as a Teaching Tool. This workshop will be held on August 7th and 8th in conjunction with Maercker District #60 and Gower District #62. We were able to fund teachers attending the training using grant money.
The workshop presenter, Jan Chappuis, is an experienced educator with twenty years as a fourth-through ninth-grade teacher and district level curriculum and implementation specialist. She is currently a Classroom Assessment Specialist with the Assessment Training Institute in Portland, Oregon.
2. Other tasks identified in May will continue this summer and during the 2008-09 School Year.
Mathematics
1. Committee members have materials to review over the summer and the curriculum review cycle will continue this Fall.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Six teachers (Deb Kowal, Karen Ochoa, Angela Anderson, Mary Govertson, Jane Moss, and Mary Swenson) attended a RtI training session on May 22, 2008 and have shared with me that it was a worthwhile event. Their feedback has been shared with the building principals so that the Leadership teams will receive information on the training.
Some Common threads among the comments from the teachers were:
Conference was excellent; very challenging to get everyone on board and
there are so many meeting; need a universal screening process; need
professional development of all staff; data review and documentation are big;
need for collaboration.
Assessment
The DuPage ROE is focusing on how they can provide support to districts working through the RtI process. In an effort to increase dialogue on assessment a video conference was arranged between a number of administrators in DuPage County and Dr. Rick Stiggins from the Assessment Training Institute. Representing District #61 at this session was Maureen Kelly and Bob Carlo. The format was question and answer in which Dr. Stiggins was able to address some of the commons needs identified in DuPage County. In addition, the document: Assessment Manifesto: A Call for the Development of Balanced Assessment Systems was provided to the participants to review prior to the conference.
This information was shared with administrators in District #61 and area Superintendents. Future conversations are being planned as many districts in DuPage county are looking at assessment as it relates to student achievement and Response to Intervention.
Within District #61 we are looking at what we are currently using for assessment and what may need to be revisited. The revised Curriculum Overview will be posted on the website in the future.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
1. A team of six teacher (Meredith Holdman, Jen Reyes, Janet Boslett, Kristen Shell, Bonnie Bucholz, and Veronica Heggie) will be attending a workshop: Using the Six-Trait Scoring Guide as a Teaching Tool. This workshop will be held on August 7th and 8th in conjunction with Maercker District #60 and Gower District #62. We were able to fund teachers attending the training using grant money.
The workshop presenter, Jan Chappuis, is an experienced educator with twenty years as a fourth-through ninth-grade teacher and district level curriculum and implementation specialist. She is currently a Classroom Assessment Specialist with the Assessment Training Institute in Portland, Oregon.
2. Other tasks identified in May will continue this summer and during the 2008-09 School Year.
Mathematics
1. Committee members have materials to review over the summer and the curriculum review cycle will continue this Fall.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Six teachers (Deb Kowal, Karen Ochoa, Angela Anderson, Mary Govertson, Jane Moss, and Mary Swenson) attended a RtI training session on May 22, 2008 and have shared with me that it was a worthwhile event. Their feedback has been shared with the building principals so that the Leadership teams will receive information on the training.
Some Common threads among the comments from the teachers were:
Conference was excellent; very challenging to get everyone on board and
there are so many meeting; need a universal screening process; need
professional development of all staff; data review and documentation are big;
need for collaboration.
Assessment
The DuPage ROE is focusing on how they can provide support to districts working through the RtI process. In an effort to increase dialogue on assessment a video conference was arranged between a number of administrators in DuPage County and Dr. Rick Stiggins from the Assessment Training Institute. Representing District #61 at this session was Maureen Kelly and Bob Carlo. The format was question and answer in which Dr. Stiggins was able to address some of the commons needs identified in DuPage County. In addition, the document: Assessment Manifesto: A Call for the Development of Balanced Assessment Systems was provided to the participants to review prior to the conference.
This information was shared with administrators in District #61 and area Superintendents. Future conversations are being planned as many districts in DuPage county are looking at assessment as it relates to student achievement and Response to Intervention.
Within District #61 we are looking at what we are currently using for assessment and what may need to be revisited. The revised Curriculum Overview will be posted on the website in the future.
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