Our instructional tip this week from Carole is very timely and focuses on the importance of teaching our students (even those in non-state testing grades) academic testing vocabulary…This is critical for our 3rd-5th graders as we prepare them to take the SBAC. Recently I pretested 4th and 5th grade ELL’s on 30 academic testing vocabulary words. The average score was a 43%. The lowest score was a 16% and the highest was a 73%. The 4th grade team is using the SBAC materials from Jenn Montoya to teach strategies and together we are working to teach them the vocabulary that they need. Words such as summarize, illustrations, predict, identify, context, and comprehension were the ones that they missed the most. Even if we all have taught these words, they may not really know them. We are investing time to be sure that they understand what these words mean. I have a word list if you would like it. Dyan has a word search from Cate Hill with pictures and definitions of common testing vocabulary.
We have a Walking School Bus starting on April 29! Commute Options has hired April Frey one of our Lava Ridge parents to drive (ie walk!) this route with our Lions. Here is the flyer we will be routing to families. Even more information can be found about Walking School Buses at this link. April will also have a table set up after school next week in front of the school with information for families.
When will we know grade level teaching assignments for next year? As soon as possible. At this point it looks like we might be able to have all of these determined in the next 2-3 weeks. It could be longer too, and as soon as a grade level(s) team is set I will let you know.
High Expectations = Increased Performance (Pygmalion Effect)
Week at a Glance for April 22-26
Monday:
- March PAW Celebration @ 3:00
Tuesday:
- 8:05 Writing Focused PLC Meetings
Wednesday:
- 8:05 ICCL Meeting
- SIW: PLC Time
Thursday:
- 8:05 EBISS for 5th grade
Friday:
- Lion Pride Drawings at lunches
- Newsletter
