EOU Benchmark Testing Protocol

After feedback from teachers across the district and a conversation with the curriculum guide committee about the degree of text difficulty in the EOU Benchmarks we have prepared a small change in the protocol of administration.

The EOU Benchmarks are still in their infancy and we’ll most likely find small errors throughout the guides. In order to honor what you have already taught and any planning you might have done for future units we do not want to alter entire assessments. Please use the protocol when administering your assessments.

EOU Benchmark Testing Protocol:

• Prior to the day of the assessment, teachers may read the text aloud or have students read the text to become familiar with the text. Teachers do not set a purpose for the reading, other than to become familiar with the passage.
• Teachers administer the assessment with the text, allowing students to reread text on their own and use text to answer questions. Teachers may follow accommodations for students with IEPs or LAPs.
• Teacher scores the assessment following the proficiency levels AND protocols, as listed on the assessment.

New Literacy Learning Labs!

Attention TCSD Literacy Lovers -

Our new learning labs are scheduled for second semester! Boy, do we have some extra special literacy love planned for you! 

Choose the literacy lab that's write for you!  Sign Up Here:  Literacy Learning Labs

Barometer Children

We all have a couple kids in our classrooms that struggle with stamina.  In the Two Sisters' Tip of the Week, they suggest small confined spaces for students to read.  Allowing students their "own space" often cuts back on the maintenance that goes with barometer children! 

Check out the link and more pictures at the Daily Cafe. 

Building Reading Fluency

Independent and performance strategies for building reading fluency have been add to the Documents page in the file titled Building Reading Fluency. Please check out these resources and provide comments based on strategies you have found to be successful with your students.

Write To Learn FAQ

"What do I type for a prompt in WTL if I want students to use one or more of their writing pieces they submit to the district?"
If you choose to use the same writing piece for WTL and the District you can create a prompt as such:

5^th Grade

Narrative Piece (Unit 2)

Write a narrative a piece about a real or imaginary experience or event with an introduction, sequenced events, descriptions, pacing and a related conclusion.

Opinion Piece (Unit 3)

Write an opinion piece on a topic or text with an introduction with reasons and information supported by facts and details and a conclusion.

Informational Piece (Unit 3)

Write an informative piece about a topic with an introduction, organized paragraphs with facts, definitions, details, quotations and information, and a conclusion.

7^th Grade

Narrative Piece (Unit 2)

Write a narrative to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

Opinion Piece (Unit 3)

Write an opinion piece that supports claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Informational Piece (Unit 3)

Write an informative/explanatory text to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

These come directly from the learning goals on the curriculum guides. Please let me know if you need further clarification. Best of Success!

Building Reading Fluency

Small-group and partner strategies for building reading fluency have been add to the Documents page in the file titled Building Reading Fluency. Please check out these resources and provide comments based on strategies you have found to be successful with your students.

Literacy Learning Lab Postponed

The November Literacy Learning Lab, The Gist of It: Comprehension Strategies scheduled for November 10, 2011 is postponed. It will now be offered on January 12, 2012 and February 9, 2012. The sessions will be alike but we wanted to offer 2 dates for participants to choose from.

Please visit the link: LITERACY LEARNING LAB to sign up for one of the sessions.

Thanks you your patience!