The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The committee of teachers met on February 26th. The Writing Curriculum document has been updated and has been added to the web page.
Further discussion continues over the two types of writing being used at the elementary level. The group needs to further investigate the similarities and differences between the two methods. Ideas have been shared as to how that will be accomplished. Information gathered after the meeting has been posted on the Curriculum and Assessment website under Writing Committee. Additionally, information gained from other districts which shared electronic information on writing expectations is in the same location.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2008.
Illinois Textbook Adoption Grant
This has been completed and an order for purchases has been submitted to the State of Illinois for $43,741.35 which is over the allocated amount. Therefore, while most of what has been submitted should be received; this is about $2,000 worth of materials that we may receive if extra money is available from the State. Purchases were gathered from building staff and administration in all buildings.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
On March 7th a presentation was made to all staff members providing an overview of District # 61's current practices and RtI requirements. The presentation can be viewed at: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/,hFi2e,x78EaQ9aChClTMU0MZvteE4Pm
Copies of the powerpoint are included in the Board packet. Response to the Institute has been positive and is reflected in the Institute Evaluation.
Assessment
Students in grades 2 and 5 have completed the testing which will be used for Discovery qualification purposes. Mrs. Kinder will be reviewing the scores and parents will be getting a printout of results in the near future.
ISAT testing is complete and have been returned to the State for scoring. We should be getting results back once the scoring is complete.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
February 26, 2008 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee members, working with staff members in each building, have compiled the information to fill in the document provided to the Board of Education in the December 11th Board packet.
The committee of teachers will meet on February 26th to provide updates on:
1. Curriculum document:
Needed Junior High Info.
Feedback from sharing in each building
Curriculum overlaps
2. Units of Study for Teaching Writing and 6+1 Traits of Writing: Sharing of information and findings from committee members
3. Follow up on identification of what else is done for writing that is not represented in the document.
I will be able to provide additional information on the outcome of this meeting at the Board meeting.
Illinois Textbook Adoption Grant
Currently we are in the process of identifying materials to be purchased using funds from the State of Illinois. The funds can be used to purchase materials for students in grades K - 6 this year. The Writing Committee has determined that these funds would not be needed for any writing materials. Any materials needed for writing would be resources and not materials available through the grant. Therefore, money is being allocated for the purchase of Reading supplemental materials which will further assist as we develop the Response to Intervention process in the district. Pat Strittmatter, working with the building staff, is identifying materials to be used in the libraries. This money, along with the small State of Illinois Library Grant, will be used to add materials in each library. The music staff has identified materials to update the music curriculum at K - 5. EJH has identified materials to assist ELL learners, struggling readers and math skills materials to assist with RtI. Finally, we will be able to purchase manipulatives for our current math program and replacement and/or additional textbooks for current core curriculum areas. Once we have the complete list we will rank the items and purchase as much as allocated through the State Grant.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
The Administration has completed a self-assessment at the District Level to see how we see RtI in District # 61. On March 7th a presentation will be made to all staff members providing an overview of District # 61 current practices and RtI requirements. The focus of the presentation will be to show that we have been and continue to move in the direction of RtI with our Staff Development Plan, Reading Instructional Model, Student Support Teams, and District Writing Committee. A timeline proposed for implementation will be presented as each building will develop leadership teams to work in conjunction with the established goals and objectives outlined in the District Mission statement. Adjustments will be made as we continue on the journey with how we utilize staff to meet the needs of our students. The information can be added to the website after the March 7th presentation to staff. Further training and education will continue as the State develops a self assessment and template to record district plans.
Assessment
Students in grades 3 -8 will be taking the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) during the weeks of March 3rd - 14th. Grade level testing schedules are being developed at Lace and Eisenhower as those students will be tested in Reading and Mathematics. In addition, students in Grades 4 and 7 grade will be tested in Science and students in 5th, 6th, and 8th will be tested in Writing.
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee members, working with staff members in each building, have compiled the information to fill in the document provided to the Board of Education in the December 11th Board packet.
The committee of teachers will meet on February 26th to provide updates on:
1. Curriculum document:
Needed Junior High Info.
Feedback from sharing in each building
Curriculum overlaps
2. Units of Study for Teaching Writing and 6+1 Traits of Writing: Sharing of information and findings from committee members
3. Follow up on identification of what else is done for writing that is not represented in the document.
I will be able to provide additional information on the outcome of this meeting at the Board meeting.
Illinois Textbook Adoption Grant
Currently we are in the process of identifying materials to be purchased using funds from the State of Illinois. The funds can be used to purchase materials for students in grades K - 6 this year. The Writing Committee has determined that these funds would not be needed for any writing materials. Any materials needed for writing would be resources and not materials available through the grant. Therefore, money is being allocated for the purchase of Reading supplemental materials which will further assist as we develop the Response to Intervention process in the district. Pat Strittmatter, working with the building staff, is identifying materials to be used in the libraries. This money, along with the small State of Illinois Library Grant, will be used to add materials in each library. The music staff has identified materials to update the music curriculum at K - 5. EJH has identified materials to assist ELL learners, struggling readers and math skills materials to assist with RtI. Finally, we will be able to purchase manipulatives for our current math program and replacement and/or additional textbooks for current core curriculum areas. Once we have the complete list we will rank the items and purchase as much as allocated through the State Grant.
Response to Intervention (RtI)
The Administration has completed a self-assessment at the District Level to see how we see RtI in District # 61. On March 7th a presentation will be made to all staff members providing an overview of District # 61 current practices and RtI requirements. The focus of the presentation will be to show that we have been and continue to move in the direction of RtI with our Staff Development Plan, Reading Instructional Model, Student Support Teams, and District Writing Committee. A timeline proposed for implementation will be presented as each building will develop leadership teams to work in conjunction with the established goals and objectives outlined in the District Mission statement. Adjustments will be made as we continue on the journey with how we utilize staff to meet the needs of our students. The information can be added to the website after the March 7th presentation to staff. Further training and education will continue as the State develops a self assessment and template to record district plans.
Assessment
Students in grades 3 -8 will be taking the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) during the weeks of March 3rd - 14th. Grade level testing schedules are being developed at Lace and Eisenhower as those students will be tested in Reading and Mathematics. In addition, students in Grades 4 and 7 grade will be tested in Science and students in 5th, 6th, and 8th will be tested in Writing.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
January 22, 2008 Update
Curriculum and Instruction
Writing
The Writing Committee members, working with staff members in each building, have complied the information to fill in the document provided to the Board of Education in the December 11th Board packet.
The committee of teachers meet on January 22nd to:
1. Review the updated curriculum document, bringing any additions,
corrections, changes, in content, to the meeting.
2. Identify any overlaps, repeats, and/or concerns when looking at
the curriculum across the years.
3. Bring any needs related to writing that will require that funding
be secured.
4. Identify what else is done for writing that is not represented on
the attachment.
I will be able to provide additional information on the outcome of this meeting at the Board meeting or in February.
Gifted Education
Based on the new testing Mrs. Kinder and Ms. Brundage are updating the information sheet provided to parents about the Discovery Program. They are also working to update the reporting instrument.
At Eisenhower Junior High Mr. Fitzgerald has been talking with his staff to identify teachers interested and willing to be trained in teaching gifted students. These individuals would be able to teach these classes in the future and provide consistency for the program. This has been done in the past, but with the changes at EJH it needs to be readdressed.
Assessment
DIBELS
Reading Staff have administered the second round of progress monitoring and are working to record the data on the local assessment data base. They are providing feedback on the program and revisions are being made to the program based on use and what is needed for reports to staff. The program is set up so that once data is entered a staff member can see multiple years of information on children in their classroom for DIBELS, ISEL, and CBA's. Entering the data has been slow, but it is expected to be quicker once the bandwidth adjustments are addressed. In addition, Mr. Hotton is looking into FileMaker user issues which might have an impact on the speed of the program.
ITBS/COGAT
As stated in September:
Second grader will be given the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in the areas of math, reading, and language and the Cognitive Abilities Test.
Fifth graders will take the Cognitive Abilities Test.
These tests have been reinstated as the results will be useful, along with ISAT data and teacher recommendation, to identify students for the Discovery program in third grade and sixth.
This test will be administered the week of February 25th at DeLay and Lace.
Writing
The Writing Committee members, working with staff members in each building, have complied the information to fill in the document provided to the Board of Education in the December 11th Board packet.
The committee of teachers meet on January 22nd to:
1. Review the updated curriculum document, bringing any additions,
corrections, changes, in content, to the meeting.
2. Identify any overlaps, repeats, and/or concerns when looking at
the curriculum across the years.
3. Bring any needs related to writing that will require that funding
be secured.
4. Identify what else is done for writing that is not represented on
the attachment.
I will be able to provide additional information on the outcome of this meeting at the Board meeting or in February.
Gifted Education
Based on the new testing Mrs. Kinder and Ms. Brundage are updating the information sheet provided to parents about the Discovery Program. They are also working to update the reporting instrument.
At Eisenhower Junior High Mr. Fitzgerald has been talking with his staff to identify teachers interested and willing to be trained in teaching gifted students. These individuals would be able to teach these classes in the future and provide consistency for the program. This has been done in the past, but with the changes at EJH it needs to be readdressed.
Assessment
DIBELS
Reading Staff have administered the second round of progress monitoring and are working to record the data on the local assessment data base. They are providing feedback on the program and revisions are being made to the program based on use and what is needed for reports to staff. The program is set up so that once data is entered a staff member can see multiple years of information on children in their classroom for DIBELS, ISEL, and CBA's. Entering the data has been slow, but it is expected to be quicker once the bandwidth adjustments are addressed. In addition, Mr. Hotton is looking into FileMaker user issues which might have an impact on the speed of the program.
ITBS/COGAT
As stated in September:
Second grader will be given the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in the areas of math, reading, and language and the Cognitive Abilities Test.
Fifth graders will take the Cognitive Abilities Test.
These tests have been reinstated as the results will be useful, along with ISAT data and teacher recommendation, to identify students for the Discovery program in third grade and sixth.
This test will be administered the week of February 25th at DeLay and Lace.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December 11, 2007 Update
The following provides an update on curriculum issues and assessment/screening issues in the district.
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Discussions:
Specific goals and the final page of the School Report Card is posted on the district web site under: School Report Cards/Improvement Plans. The specific goals each building has established are extensions of the district goals and meet the needs identified in each building.
Writing
The committee of teachers met on November 20th and were provided a document to gather information about what is currently being done in District 61 in the area of writing. (The information shared with the committee is included in the board packet.) All information will be complied by the week of December 17th and the committee will meet in January to discuss the information and move forward.
Again, this is a multiple step process beginning with seeing how we currently address writing in relation to grade levels and the Illinois Writing Standards. It is also a time to share what else is being done with writing across the district.
Staff Development
Amy Brundage has shared the agenda for the December 5th meeting with the committee. I can provide an update, if needed, at the Board meeting. Agenda items are:
- Review 10/19/07 SIP Day survey results.
- EJH-share information from the ROE presentation on 11/20/07
- FISH-building reports. How is the FISH philosophy being implemented and what has the staff response been so far?
- January 18th Institute: 'teachers teaching teachers'. Share topic ideas and plan for the institute.
- RTI: workshop attended by administrators.
Assessment
IMAGE Testing:
No additional information at this time.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Curriculum Needs Summary
Background:
During the month of October the teachers in each building (Eisenhower-October 5th, DeLay-October 9th, and Lace-October 19th) were given the charge to answer two questions in relation to the curriculum needs in the district. Faculty were informed that the purpose of the task was to obtain feedback from them as to the direction the district should take in reviewing the curriculum across the district. Input would be gathered resulting in a strategic plan creating a long-term cycle for curriculum development and review within District 61.
Initially faculty met as buildings and answered the following question:
What subject area needs the most focus?
Summary of Feedback:
Of the 162 responses the following data was gathered: 55 % indicated Language
27 % indicated Math
9 % indicated Science
5 % indicated Social Studies
5 % indicated PE/Health
0 % indicated Spanish
0 % indicated Explore
Once this data identified the subject area for review, each building spent about 20 minutes focusing on Language to identify what they currently like, don’t like and offered prescription for change. Language encompasses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These responses were later grouped under broader categories based on common elements or ideas.
Overall, the common items identified as "We Like" could be grouped into four categories: Writing, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Technology.
The common items identified as we "Don't Like" could be grouped into four categories: Basal Series, Writing, Comprehension, and Other.
The common items identified as "Prescription for Change" could be grouped into four categories: Reading Strategies, Writing Strategies, Grammar/Spelling, and Personnel.
Plan of Action:
Based on the feedback received the focus this year will be to review aspects of Language.
Since we already have the K-8 Reading Instructional Model this would cover may of the elements listed under Vocabulary, Comprehension, Basal Series, and Reading Strategies. The goal for this area would be to:
•Implement the K-8 Reading Instruction Model and address identified implementation.
To address the writing comments an identified staff of teachers from each building and a variety of subject areas, should:
•Develop a K-8 Writing Model which will provide a scope and sequence between grade levels and building.
During the 2008-09 school year implementation changes as suggested will begin the process of review/recommendation for the next areas most identified: Mathematics.
The Overview attached shows the cycle to be followed beginning this year and continuing until 2017. While the cycle is listed below it is important to note that each year, as the cycle moves forward, curricular areas are at different phases of review and/or adoption.
Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
PE/Health
Spanish/Explore/Fine Arts
During the month of October the teachers in each building (Eisenhower-October 5th, DeLay-October 9th, and Lace-October 19th) were given the charge to answer two questions in relation to the curriculum needs in the district. Faculty were informed that the purpose of the task was to obtain feedback from them as to the direction the district should take in reviewing the curriculum across the district. Input would be gathered resulting in a strategic plan creating a long-term cycle for curriculum development and review within District 61.
Initially faculty met as buildings and answered the following question:
What subject area needs the most focus?
Summary of Feedback:
Of the 162 responses the following data was gathered: 55 % indicated Language
27 % indicated Math
9 % indicated Science
5 % indicated Social Studies
5 % indicated PE/Health
0 % indicated Spanish
0 % indicated Explore
Once this data identified the subject area for review, each building spent about 20 minutes focusing on Language to identify what they currently like, don’t like and offered prescription for change. Language encompasses reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These responses were later grouped under broader categories based on common elements or ideas.
Overall, the common items identified as "We Like" could be grouped into four categories: Writing, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Technology.
The common items identified as we "Don't Like" could be grouped into four categories: Basal Series, Writing, Comprehension, and Other.
The common items identified as "Prescription for Change" could be grouped into four categories: Reading Strategies, Writing Strategies, Grammar/Spelling, and Personnel.
Plan of Action:
Based on the feedback received the focus this year will be to review aspects of Language.
Since we already have the K-8 Reading Instructional Model this would cover may of the elements listed under Vocabulary, Comprehension, Basal Series, and Reading Strategies. The goal for this area would be to:
•Implement the K-8 Reading Instruction Model and address identified implementation.
To address the writing comments an identified staff of teachers from each building and a variety of subject areas, should:
•Develop a K-8 Writing Model which will provide a scope and sequence between grade levels and building.
During the 2008-09 school year implementation changes as suggested will begin the process of review/recommendation for the next areas most identified: Mathematics.
The Overview attached shows the cycle to be followed beginning this year and continuing until 2017. While the cycle is listed below it is important to note that each year, as the cycle moves forward, curricular areas are at different phases of review and/or adoption.
Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
PE/Health
Spanish/Explore/Fine Arts
November 13, 2007 Update
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Discussions:
The summary of the Curriculum Needs Discussions has been provided in the Board Packet. The following District goals have been established for 2007-08:
*Implement the K-8 Reading Instruction Model and address identified
implementation needs.
*Develop a K-8 Writing Model to develop a scope and sequence between
grade levels and building.
*Continue to use a variety of assessments (ISAT, IMAGE, DIBELS, ISEL,
Curriculum Based assessment) to improve instruction.
Buildings are working on specific goals and the final page of the School Report Card will be posted by the end of the week. This will show the specific goals each building has established. In addition, for more details the final page will direct individuals to the specific school principal.
The building goals will further refine the District goals or address building specific issues based on individual needs identified by staff in each building. In addition, each building will continue to use team meeting times and SIP/Institute days to refine, develop, and evaluate the established goals.
To address the Writing Model a committee of teachers has been established and we are planning to meet November 20th to begin the process.
They will be provided a packet of information which will guide the process. It will be a multiple step process beginning with seeing how we currently address writing in relation to grade levels and the Illinois Writing Standards. It is also a time to share what else is being done with writing across the district.
Currently the following members have been identified for the committee:
DeLay School: Kristie Lupella, Meredith Holdman, Kristin Shell, and Kim McShea
Lace School: Bonnie Bucholz, Janet Boslett, Gerry Dulkoski and Ann Centers
Eisenhower: Jorie Kaspar, Marian Krupicka, Michelle Ktistou, Melissa McGannon
Staff Development
The survey results from the October 19, 2007 School Improvement Day are included in your packet.
Assessment
IMAGE Testing:
There will be a change in the way students are tested. English Language Learners will take ISAT this year instead of the IMAGE testing. This change is due to the fact that the United States Department of Education (USDE) did not feel that the IMAGE testing met the NCLB criteria. This has been a concern from the USDE that the ISBE has been working with for the last three years.
This is not a unique challenge in Illinois as nationally school districts are working with identifying a type of assessment for a growing population of English Language Learners. Input meetings are taking place across the State to determine the types of acceptable accommodations that should be given to these students. DuPage County, through the DCCD (DuPage County Curriculum Directors), is gathering input for the county to share at the upcoming meeting. We have provided feedback on suggested accommodations.
Curriculum Discussions:
The summary of the Curriculum Needs Discussions has been provided in the Board Packet. The following District goals have been established for 2007-08:
*Implement the K-8 Reading Instruction Model and address identified
implementation needs.
*Develop a K-8 Writing Model to develop a scope and sequence between
grade levels and building.
*Continue to use a variety of assessments (ISAT, IMAGE, DIBELS, ISEL,
Curriculum Based assessment) to improve instruction.
Buildings are working on specific goals and the final page of the School Report Card will be posted by the end of the week. This will show the specific goals each building has established. In addition, for more details the final page will direct individuals to the specific school principal.
The building goals will further refine the District goals or address building specific issues based on individual needs identified by staff in each building. In addition, each building will continue to use team meeting times and SIP/Institute days to refine, develop, and evaluate the established goals.
To address the Writing Model a committee of teachers has been established and we are planning to meet November 20th to begin the process.
They will be provided a packet of information which will guide the process. It will be a multiple step process beginning with seeing how we currently address writing in relation to grade levels and the Illinois Writing Standards. It is also a time to share what else is being done with writing across the district.
Currently the following members have been identified for the committee:
DeLay School: Kristie Lupella, Meredith Holdman, Kristin Shell, and Kim McShea
Lace School: Bonnie Bucholz, Janet Boslett, Gerry Dulkoski and Ann Centers
Eisenhower: Jorie Kaspar, Marian Krupicka, Michelle Ktistou, Melissa McGannon
Staff Development
The survey results from the October 19, 2007 School Improvement Day are included in your packet.
Assessment
IMAGE Testing:
There will be a change in the way students are tested. English Language Learners will take ISAT this year instead of the IMAGE testing. This change is due to the fact that the United States Department of Education (USDE) did not feel that the IMAGE testing met the NCLB criteria. This has been a concern from the USDE that the ISBE has been working with for the last three years.
This is not a unique challenge in Illinois as nationally school districts are working with identifying a type of assessment for a growing population of English Language Learners. Input meetings are taking place across the State to determine the types of acceptable accommodations that should be given to these students. DuPage County, through the DCCD (DuPage County Curriculum Directors), is gathering input for the county to share at the upcoming meeting. We have provided feedback on suggested accommodations.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
October 9, 2007 Update
The following information was provided to the Board of Education on October 9, 2007. The information provides an update on Curriculum and Assessment for the current school year.
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Discussions:
In October buildings have or will be conducting a curriculum needs assessment to determine what subject area(s) need the most focus from a teacher's perspective. A thirty minute meeting will be the kick off in each building to identify the curriculum needs and what we are currently doing that we like, don't like, and prescription for change.
Scheduled Dates for Curriculum Needs Assessments:
Eisenhower Junior High: October 5th
Mark DeLay School: October 9th
Lace School: October 19th
Once the needs are identified we will establish a curriculum cycle which will lay out a plan for regular review and recommendations for curriculum in the district. All feedback from the staffs at each building will be coordinated and shared as we move forward. It is anticipated that a summary should be available by the November update.
Staff Development
The Staff Development committee met on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. The Committee Chairperson for the 2007-08 school year is Amy Brundage.
In addition, we have made changes in the terms of membership. Beginning this year teachers will serve as members on rotating three year terms. The committee currently has representation from each building. The Staff Development plan is in place and will continue to fine tune the plan for the rest of the year and begin the planning of the final year of the three year plan later this year.
Screenings
Illinois Snapshots of Early Literacy (ISEL)
All information has been entered into a database which will be exported into the CRT program by Mr. Hotton. CRT data should be up and available to teachers by the October 19th School Improvement Day Early Dismissal. In the future we will be able to generate reports as needed based on feedback from teacher needs. The double entering of data will be eliminated as teachers will be able to enter the data directly to the CRT web site.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
Results are being entered into a spreadsheet which will be exported into the CRT by Mr. Hotton. CRT data should be up and available to teachers by October 19th School Improvement Day Early Dismissal. In the future we will be able to generate reports as needed based on feedback from teacher needs. The double entering of data will be eliminated as teachers will be able to enter the data directly to the CRT website.
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